Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is a nationwide commitment to reduce gun crime in America. The effectiveness of PSN is based on the ability of local, state, and federal agencies to cooperate in a unified offensive led by the U.S. Attorney (USA) in each of the 94 federal judicial districts across the United States. Through collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement, each USA will implement the five core elements of Project Safe Neighborhoods—partnerships, strategic planning, training, outreach, and accountability—in a manner that is contoured to fit the specific gun crime problems in that district. The goal is to create safer neighborhoods by reducing gun violence and sustaining that reduction.

For FY 2006, DOJ has dedicated $10 million to fund current and expanded comprehensive gun crime reduction strategies. DOJ also dedicated additional funding of $30 million under its recent “Anti-Gang Initiative” to fund new and expanded anti-gang prevention and enforcement efforts under the PSN Initiative. The new Anti-Gang Initiative funds will enhance PSN task force efforts to combat gangs by building on effective PSN strategies and partnerships. Each district must show how their gang funding may impact their PSN strategies and need for additional funding. Through the development of district-wide comprehensive anti-gang strategies, the U.S. Attorney in each of the 94 federal judicial districts will partner with local law enforcement and others in the PSN task force to pattern strategies after PSN’s five essential elements.

The Law
Federal Laws—Hard Time for Gun Crime
Under Project Safe Neighborhoods, U.S. prosecutors are ready to bring cases involving illegal gun use to federal court. This means that if anyone is caught with an illegal gun, they probably won't be entitled to bail—instead, they'll go straight to jail. And, if that's not bad enough, if they are convicted in federal court, they can spend up to 10 years in jail. There are no second chances under this program.

So it's smart to stay away from guns if you or anyone you know is in one of the categories described below. Save yourself, your friend, or your relatives from jail time.