The grim reality of gun violence continues to threaten cities and towns across the country, leaving residents in fear for their lives. In an effort to combat this growing problem, the Justice Department has awarded over $17.5 million in grants to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program.
The Black Family Development, Inc. has been awarded $349,184 to administer PSN grant funds in the Eastern District of Michigan. This funding will support efforts to address violent crime, including gun violence, through highly focused enforcement and prevention strategies.
According to Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco, ‘This latest Project Safe Neighborhoods grant is critical to addressing the violent crime threatening cities and towns all across our country.’ She emphasized the importance of working closely with local public safety agencies and community organizations to craft individual strategies unique to each community’s needs.
Acting US Attorney Saima Mohsin echoed this sentiment, stating, ‘By focusing on Detroit’s most prominent hotspots for gun violence, Detroit has the opportunity to greatly improve the quality of life for the residents of Detroit who are most acutely affected by gun violence.’
The grant funds will support Detroit’s ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime through a collaborative effort involving the Detroit Police Department, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, the Michigan Department of Corrections, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Attorney’s Office-Eastern District of Michigan, and Research Partner Michigan State University.
The project aims to address the persistently increasing gun violence in targeted areas, with the overall goal of reversing this trend. Focused law enforcement initiatives will be combined with the Ceasefire Detroit Outreach team and its community partners who conduct targeted outreach in Detroit neighborhoods.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon added, ‘Investing in our communities, supporting victims and building a justice system that both keeps people safe and earns their trust – these are mutually reinforcing goals that stand at the heart of Project Safe Neighborhoods.’
In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. The updated PSN approach is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results of our efforts.
The Black Family Development, Inc. will begin the process of making subawards for PSN grant projects, with approval from the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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