FAQs

What is Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN)?

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide initiative aimed at the reduction of gun and gang violence. It was first introduced in 2001 by then-president George W. Bush and was heavily influenced by programs such as Compstat, Operation Ceasefire, and Exile. Originally aimed at reducing gun violence, today PSN’s focus has shifted to a predominantly anti-gang initiative, though guns are tied heavily to gang violence and remain a secondary focus. PSN is administered through the 94 U.S. District Attorney’s Offices nationwide and supported by numerous partner agencies (e.g., CCI, CSG, IACP, MSU, NCPC, NDAA, NTTAC, COPS, RISS, WSSU), each of which provide unique knowledge and training or technical assistance. APPA was one of many partners who were authorized to provide PSN training to local jurisdictions through their US District Attorney.  Learn more about PSN ».

What is the APPA-PSN project?

The American Probation and Parole Association (APPA) received multiple cooperative agreements from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to support the PSN anti-gang and anti-gun initiative. The goal of the APPA project was to provide guidance, training, and technical assistance to encourage the involvement of probation and parole professionals in local PSN collaboratives. APPA was a partner with BJA and PSN from 2004 to 2014, providing training for over 2,000 community corrections officers from more than 60 federal districts.

Why should probation and parole be involved?

Probation and parole staff have invaluable information and contacts about their communities, current “hot spots” and issues as well as frequently scheduled (and unannounced) contact with their clients. Probation and parole staff can assist in identifying their clients most likely to possess firearms illegally and/or be affiliated with street gangs and can also benefit from the close working relationships with judges, prosecutors and other law enforcement personnel that may develop as a result of PSN.

What resources can PSN offer me? How do I request PSN training or technical assistance?

If your agency is in need of a specific type of PSN-related training or technical assistance but lacks the funds necessary to support it, please consider submitting a request to the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) online by completing the PSN TA Request Form or by contacting your U.S. District Attorney (find your U.S. District Attorney).

How do I find out more about the APPA-PSN initiative?

For more information regarding this project, please contact us.