NCJ Number
243182
Date Published
June 2013
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This report provides information on building a Public Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) task force.
Abstract
This report describes how community engagement is critical to implementing a successful PSN task force, and how task force members can work together to share strategies of prevention, deterrence, and prosecution aimed at stopping criminal offenders from engaging in violence in the nation's communities. This study uses a case study of strategies in the Middle District of North Carolina; results show that experienced PSN task forces cite multiple benefits from listening to and engaging the community. Community partners include all groups with specific roles to play in creating safer neighborhoods by reducing gun crime, such as criminal justice agencies and organizations that provide services like housing and job training, but also community and faith-based organizations, service delivery agencies, reentry partners, youth and families, and the offender population itself (including former offenders, parolees, and probationers). Every U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) is tasked with bringing together and leading a local task force composed of federal, state, and local prosecutors, law enforcement, researchers, media and outreach specialists, and community leaders. Other necessary partners can include faith leaders, business leaders, local community leaders, elected officials, criminal justice officials, health care professionals, schools officials, social service providers, and youth service providers. References, appendixes, and a list of resources