Grassley, Cornyn Lead Reauthorization of Violent Crime Reduction Program

WASHINGTON - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) in introducing the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Reauthorization Act. The bipartisan bill would reauthorize the Project Safe Neighborhoods program, which uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to identify, address and prevent violent crime.

"For over two decades, Project Safe Neighborhoods has worked to combat violent crime by fostering collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies," Grassley said. "I'm proud to back the blue and support Project Safe Neighborhoods' comprehensive approach to crime fighting, which includes a provision in honor of fallen Iowa State Patrol Sergeant Jim Smith."

"For more than two decades, the Project Safe Neighborhoods program has successfully implemented data-backed solutions to lower the rate of violent crime and help keep dangerous criminals off our streets," Cornyn said. "This legislation would build on this impressive track record and foster greater collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make America safe again."

"Building trust and partnerships between local law enforcement and the people they serve is absolutely essential to strengthening our communities," Peters said. "Project Safe Neighborhoods is proven to be an effective tool for reducing violent crime, including drug and gun violence, so I'm proud to again lead this bipartisan legislation to ensure this important program can continue making a difference in the years to come."

Additional cosponsors include Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Adam Schiff (D-Calif.).

The legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National District Attorneys Association, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies and the National Narcotic Officers' Associations' Coalition.

Full bill text is available HERE.

Background:

Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement and prosecutors. Under this program, law enforcement agencies focus enforcement efforts on organized criminal networks and repeat offenders that drive crime rates in a particular region. The program also works to build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve through outreach, awareness, intervention and collaboration.

Since its inception in 2001, Project Safe Neighborhoods has been successfully deployed by both Democrat and Republican administrations to reduce violent crime across the country. A Department of Justice-funded survey found that Project Safe Neighborhoods was associated with a 13.1 percent decrease in violent crime in cities with a high rate of program participation.

-30-

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Post