FY 2024 project safe neighborhoods (PSN) funding will be used to support initiatives to reduce violent crime in western pennsylvania

The U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) awarded a $139,197 Formula Grant under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (CFDA 16.609) program to the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association Division, doing business as the Pennsylvania District Attorney's Institute. The grant will be used to support initiatives to reduce violent crime in Western Pennsylvania over a three-year period from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2027. Specifically, the funding will be used for targeted enforcement and suppression, collaboration with community-based groups to prevent and interrupt violence, and engagement with area youth through pro-social projects and activities. The grant is part of a broader, evidence-based approach to diminish violent crime in the region through data-driven strategies and collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement partners.

PSN is a combined effort of the united states attorney's office; bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives; federal bureau of investigations; the unites states marshals service; and other federal agencies, along with allegheny county police, the pittsburgh bureau of police, local police departments within allegheny county but outside of pittsburgh, and other state and local partners. The increase in shootings both with and without injury or fatality is of primary concern in the district. There are three broad strategy goals for the western district: 1) targeted enforcement and suppression; 2) collaboration with community-based groups to preempt and interrupt violence; and 3) engagement with area youth through pro-social projects and activities. PSN funds will be made available for group violence intervention efforts, as well as for initiatives from local neighborhood groups to reduce violent crime. Finally, PSN is an evidence-based approach, and the results of the PSN effort will be measured by examining key statistics to determine if violent crime diminished through the effort.