NCJ Number
219221
Date Published
January 2004
Length
9 pages
Annotation
In order to provide a better understanding of the strength of partnerships as a critical component in the nationwide commitment to reducing gun crime through Project Safe Neighborhoods, this federally supported report describes the development, implementation, and success of Project Exile, a model interagency initiative to combat guns and violence in Richmond, VA.
Abstract
One of the building blocks of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative was Project Exile’s success in reducing gun violence within Richmond, VA. Project Exile’s achievement has been largely attributed to productive partnerships among the participating agencies and coordinated use of innovative and aggressive policing strategies to reduce gun violence. Equally important was Project Exile’s focus on obtaining popular support for an aggressive law enforcement approach to gun violence by constantly engaging the community in its efforts. Facilitating the spreads of Exile-type initiatives was a critical component of the nationwide commitment to reducing gun crime through Project Safe Neighborhoods. To that end, the Police Foundation, with support from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, held four symposiums across the country: Nebraska, Arizona, New Jersey, and Michigan facilitated by major players involved in the development of Project Exile to inform practitioners about a model, interagency initiative to combat guns and violence and provide insights on the strength of partnerships and importance of building and maintaining community trust and support. The report is divided into three sections: building and maintaining community trust and support for gun reduction initiatives; overcoming obstacles and barriers to successful gun-reduction strategies; and recommendations for implementing successful gun reduction programs.