NCJ Number
191371
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 70 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2001 Pages: 2-8
Date Published
October 2001
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes an initiative mounted by officials in Richmond, VA., to combat handgun violence and homicides.
Abstract
In February 1997, the U.S. Attorney's Office in Richmond unveiled Project Exile, an innovative, expeditious, and aggressive interagency approach to combat gun violence. Rather than creating and enforcing new laws, the program has taken advantage of existing Federal laws to prosecute suspects in Federal courts. Federal courts can apply more stringent bond rules and sentencing guidelines than State courts. Project Exile derives its name from the concept that any criminals found in possession of a gun, or convicted of using a gun in the commission of a crime, forfeit their right to remain in the community. Any criminal found violating the laws applicable to Project Exile faces immediate Federal prosecution and conviction, resulting in a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years. This zero tolerance policy allows the U.S. Attorney's Office to prosecute in Federal court all felons with guns, as well as anyone using guns in drug trafficking, possessing prohibited weapons, or using a gun in domestic violence cases. Statistics indicate that over the past 2 years Project Exile has played a significant role in the reduction in violent crime in Richmond. Further, State officials project that a similar State-level program (Virginia Exile) will prove equally effective. The two programs are expected to complement each other in the fight against gun violence and crime. 25 notes