Toward reducing violent crime in America, U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) joined a bipartisan contingent of his colleagues to propose a measure that would reauthorize a nationwide law enforcement program that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches.
“Communities across the country are seeing an increase in crime, and Congress needs to act,” Sen. Tillis said on May 2. “This legislation provides much-needed support to local law enforcement to combat crime and map overdose patterns. I am proud to work on this common-sense legislation to create safer neighborhoods for future generations.”
Sen. Tillis on May 1 joined eight other cosponsors, including U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Gary Peters (D-MI), to introduce the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2023, S. 1387, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) to reauthorize Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative nationwide program between federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutors.
Project Safe Neighborhoods also works to build trust and partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve through coordinated outreach, public awareness, innovative tactics, and collaborative interventions, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Tillis’ office.
If enacted, S. 1387 specifically would authorize the Project Safe Neighborhoods program for fiscal years 2024-2028 at $50 million, an amount that is consistent with current appropriations levels, the summary says.
Additionally, S. 1387 would require participating entities to create and implement strategic plans to reduce violent crimes; prioritize the investigation and prosecution of individuals having an aggravating or leadership role in a criminal organization; and strengthen evidence-based and data-driven intervention and prevention initiatives, such as juvenile justice projects, street-level outreach, and conflict mediation, among others.
The measure also would reserve 30 percent of funding for established regional law enforcement task forces and would permit funds to be used for the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program, evidence-based programs to reduce gun crime and gang violence, community-based violence prevention initiatives, and violence education, prevention, and intervention programs, states the summary.
The bill has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Sergeants Benevolent Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, Major County Sheriffs of America, the National District Attorneys Association, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, and the National Narcotic Officers Associations’ Coalition.