WASHINGTON – Legislation cosponsored by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to reauthorize a successful nationwide law enforcement program passed the Senate unanimously this week. The Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act, led by Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), would reauthorize a program that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime. The bill includes a provision named after Iowa State Patrol Sergeant Jim Smith, who was killed in the line of duty in 2021.
 
“Law enforcement officers do courageous work to keep our communities safe. Some, like Sergeant Smith, give their all in the process. I’m proud to back the blue and work at the federal level to support crime-fighting efforts like Project Safe Neighborhoods. This is a worthy cause, made even worthier in paying homage to Iowa hero Sergeant Smith,” Grassley said.
 
“The Project Safe Neighborhoods program has been proven to reduce violent crime in cities that participate by focusing law enforcement efforts on organized crime networks and repeat offenders,” Cornyn said. “By fostering partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement to address these criminal threats, we can take a more proactive approach to protecting our communities from violent criminals.”
  
In addition to Grassley and Cornyn, the bill is cosponsored by Sens. Gary Peters (D-Mich.),  Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.).
 
Background
Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutors. Under this program, law enforcement agencies focus their enforcement efforts on organized criminal networks and repeat offenders that drive crime rates in a particular region. The program also works to build trust and partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve through outreach, awareness and collaboration.  
 
Since its inception in 2001, Project Safe Neighborhoods has been successfully deployed by both Democratic and Republican administrations to reduce violent crime across the country. A Department of Justice-funded survey found that Project Safe Neighborhoods was associated with a 13.1% decrease in violent crime in cities with a high rate of program participation.
 
The bill is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Sergeants Benevolent Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Major County Sheriffs of America, National District Attorneys Association, Major Cities Chiefs Association, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies and National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition.
 
The full text of the legislation can be found HERE.
 
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