Legislation introduced to reauthorize funding for Project Safe Neighborhoods program

A group of lawmakers recently introduced the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act, which would reauthorize funding for the nationwide law enforcement program.

U.S. Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Deb Fischer (R-NE), and Chris Coons (D-DE) recently detailed the bill to aid the program that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime.

“The Project Safe Neighborhoods program has been proven to reduce violent crime in cities that participate by focusing law enforcement efforts on organized crime networks and repeat offenders,” Cornyn said. “By fostering partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement to address these criminal threats, we can take a more proactive approach to protecting our communities from violent criminals.”

Bill provisions include authorizing the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, a nationwide partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutors that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime, at $50 million – consistent with current appropriations levels, and requiring participating entities to create and implement strategic plans to reduce violent crimes by focusing on criminal organizations and individuals responsible for increasing violence in a particular jurisdiction.

“For over two decades, ProjectSafe Neighborhoods has been effective and improved collaboration between law enforcement and community partners – successfully reducing drug, gun violence, and other violent offenses in Michigan and across the country,” Peters said. “I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation with Sen. Cornyn to support this important program, so we can continue to work together to make our neighborhoods safer places to work, live and raise a family.”

The legislation also reserves 30 percent of funding for established regional law enforcement task forces.