10 years of the Public Safety Partnership’s work: Building safer communities across the nation
Since its inception, the Department of Justice’s National Public Safety Partnership has been a cornerstone on efforts to enhance public safety and build safer communities. Launched in 2014 and managed by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, PSP serves as a critical resource for local jurisdictions confronting high levels of violent crime, fostering collaboration and providing assistance to address community challenges.
This year, the Justice Department is marking the 10th anniversary of the National Public Safety Partnership, a milestone in the program’s ongoing commitment to support local law enforcement agencies, community organizations and other partners in addressing public safety challenges. By bringing together expertise, resources and proven methods, PSP has helped transform public safety landscapes in cities across the nation.
Earlier this month, DOJ announced the addition of five new sites to the PSP program: DeKalb County, Georgia; Pueblo, Colorado; Seattle, Washington; Springfield, Massachusetts; and Tampa, Florida. Through the program, DOJ collaborates with jurisdictions of different sizes and diverse needs to support customized and data-driven strategies tailored to address each site’s most pressing public safety challenges. The program focuses on eight core areas: community engagement, constitutional policing, crime analysis, criminal justice collaboration, federal partnerships, gun violence, investigations and technology.
PSP plays an invaluable role in fostering partnerships among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. For example, in Wichita, Kansas, PSP fostered closer collaboration between local law enforcement and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. With support from PSP technical assistance, the Wichita Police Department and ATF initiated biweekly shooting review meetings, during which partners review open nonfatal shooting cases to identify opportunities for intervention services and facilitate subsequent investigative and legal actions related to state and federal gun cases. These combined efforts, along with other city-wide initiatives, have contributed to a significant reduction in homicides and nonfatal shootings.
By prioritizing evidence-based approaches, PSP helps equip local agencies with tools to analyze crime trends and deploy resources effectively. Cities like Milwaukee, Wisconsin, have leveraged PSP’s data analytics support to optimize hot spot policing, significantly reducing gun violence in key areas.
PSP recognizes the critical role communities play in public safety. In Baltimore, Maryland, the program’s community-based efforts focused on building relationships between law enforcement and residents, leading to stronger neighborhood cohesion and shared safety goals.
The partnership provides training, technical assistance and mentoring to local law enforcement. Following peer exchanges with other PSP sites, the Baton Rouge Police Department piloted a CompStat initiative and established a Real Time Crime Center to build upon their data-driven decision making and enhance investigations.
PSP is showing a measurable impact on public safety. Cities that have participated in the program have reported reductions in violent crime, increases in community trust and enhanced law enforcement capabilities. For example, the City of Oxford, Alabama, reported a 61% reduction in violent crime within two years of its engagement with PSP.
As the National Public Safety Partnership continues to evolve, the Department’s commitment to creating safer communities remains unwavering. By addressing the root causes of violence, fostering innovation and strengthening partnerships, PSP serves as a model for how federal and local agencies can work together to save lives and promote peace.
