In an effort to further the nationwide commitment to deter gang activity and their
related crimes in America, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission (ACJC) has been
selected by the PSN Executive Council to act as the fiscal agent for the disbursement
and oversight of Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) funds awarded to sub grantees for
the Arizona Anti-Gang Initiative. This initiative is a statewide effort that seeks
to reduce gang related crime with a priority based on high gang activity data as
identified by the PSN Research Partner.
Grant funds awarded for this initiative must be used to enhance task force efforts
that combat gangs by building on the effective strategies and partnerships developed
under PSN.
For Arizona, the approved purpose areas are:
- Gang Prosecution
Funds in this area are to support prosecutors who prosecute juvenile and adult gang
related cases. Applicants must show coordination with Arizona Department of Public
Safety Gang Intelligence and Team Enforcement (AZ DPS GITEM) activities.
- Prisoner Re-Entry
Funds in this area are to support programs in a correctional setting that address
prisoner re-entry strategies. Funding can be used to develop community notification
meetings modeled after PSN community notification meetings, as well as other successful
re-entry projects.
- Juvenile Education & Community Outreach
Funds in this area are for the purpose of creating programs to address gang violence
prevention and juvenile/at-risk youth education programs. Examples of projects funded,
are graffiti abatement, tattoo removal programs, public service announcements, and
community outreach events.