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.