The Justice Department has allocated nearly $80 million in additional funding to support community violence intervention programs as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat rising crime rates. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced this initiative, highlighting a 13% decrease in homicides nationwide and a 6% decrease in overall violent crime in 2023 compared to 2022. These community violence intervention programs, funded by Justice Department grants, use evidence-based practices to end cycles of violence in at-risk communities.
The Justice Department has directed attention towards reducing violence in cities such as St. Louis, Missouri; Jackson, Mississippi; and Hartford, Connecticut, by surging resources to areas experiencing spikes in crime. Populations closest to the violence are considered best equipped to work towards solutions and prevent escalations. Over the past two years, the Justice Department has invested approximately $200 million into 76 initiatives, including nonprofit organizations and state and local municipalities, to address violence in various communities.
Federal officials emphasized the need to address gun violence, particularly among young people, who are disproportionately affected. The Justice Department has been cracking down on illegal guns entering communities and seeking to bring targeted crime reduction approaches to younger populations. While funding local strategies is vital, addressing the flow of illegal guns remains a critical issue to curb violent crime. The department’s efforts also aim to restore trust in government and each other by addressing the root causes of violence in communities.
In response to rising crime rates in 2021, the Justice Department implemented a violent crime reduction strategy to combat the gun violence epidemic, hate crimes, and officer shortages. The department allocated funding for hiring entry-level officers at agencies nationwide through the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, with a focus on addressing specific crime trends in different cities. Despite reductions in violent crime in some major cities, there is still public concern about the crime problem in the United States, as reflected in a Gallup poll showing that the majority of Americans perceive an increase in crime.
The Justice Department’s commitment to making historic investments in community violence intervention programs reflects a broader strategy to address violent crime at the grassroots level. By supporting evidence-based practices and targeted approaches in violence-prone communities, the department aims to break cycles of violence and prevent further escalations. These initiatives are part of a multifaceted effort to reduce crime rates, restore trust, and address systemic issues contributing to violence in communities across the country.
Overall, the Justice Department’s approach to combating rising crime rates involves a combination of funding for community violence intervention programs, crackdowns on illegal guns, and strategic hiring of law enforcement officers. By focusing on localized solutions, evidence-based practices, and community engagement, the department aims to address the root causes of violent crime and restore trust in government institutions. These efforts are critical in reducing crime rates and creating safer communities for all residents across the United States.
