NCJ Number
247642
Date Published
January 2013
Length
78 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes a process evaluation of efforts to expand into the Crown point area of the Navajo Nation (northwestern New Mexico) Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federally sponsored program modeled to address firearm and gang crimes.
Abstract
The PSN model focuses on the development of a community-based, coordinated, and comprehensive strategy for countering firearm and gang-related crime. Overall, the evaluation determined that this PSN initiative is making progress toward reaching its goals. Participants indicated that diverse agencies have been working together toward meeting common goals and eliminating former restrictive boundaries of responsibility. Resources are being shared in the implementation of PSN activities. Participants perceived that the youth in the target areas are becoming more aware of the dangers of gun violence, drugs, and gangs. Domestic-violence organizations are providing services where they are needed. Despite the successes, however, there are areas that could be improved. The recommendations offered in this report came from both program participants and evaluators. Efforts must be increased to gain more consistent attendance at task force meetings. In addition, the e-mail distribution list should include all partners or potential partners. The expansion of representation among collaborating agencies is also recommended. Agencies suggested for inclusion are the Navajo Housing Authority, Navajo Behavioral Health, tribal courts, and more family advocacy groups. In addition, the task force might schedule one or more meetings with key members to discuss whether any more can be done to facilitate the extradition process. The meeting should include task force coordinators, key law enforcement representatives, and representatives from the Navajo Nation prosecutor's office. It would be useful to prepare data to show what sort of impact the warrant sweeps have had, the extent of the delays, and the impact of those delays. 2 figures and 9 references