Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – The city of Syracuse has received a grant for a program Federal law enforcement officials hope will curb gang violence.
The US Attorney’s Office announced on Thursday that the city had received $300,000 to finance “Syracuse Truce” – a program they say is designed to promote collaboration between law enforcement and community service agencies.
They hope the program will reduce gun violence and gang activity in the city and also help reduce tension between police and “diminish tension between law enforcement and the community.”
Syracuse received one of nine grants awarded nationally from the Bureau of Justice Assistance Violent Gang and Gun Crime Reduction Program.
According to the Federal authorities, the Syracuse Truce program includes:
Enhanced Enforcement - 40 street saturation patrols, warrant details, code enforcement and probation/parole home visits of offenders in the gang’s area will be conducted on the South and West side of the City of Syracuse.
Street Outreach - The City-funded Trauma Response Team will communicate with those most affected by gun violence and help mobilize the affected communities.
Call-In Meetings - High risk offenders (on probation/parole) will be mandated and/or invited to attend meetings to hear about the consequences of continued criminal activity which they can relay back to fellow gang members. Options for assistance in changing their lives will be provided by social service providers including CNY Works, Salvation Army, OCC, Jobs Plus!, New Justice Services, Syracuse Trauma Team, Boys and Girls Club, and Center for Community Alternatives.
Media - Convictions for gang related activity will be featured on billboards and bus signage to send a strong message about the consequences of continued criminal activity. Media messages will also be used to promote anti-violence norms.
Community Organizations - Individuals from neighborhood organizations and clergy will be invited to call-in meetings to provide a strong message that violence will not be tolerated and assistance will be provided to those who want to change their lives in a positive way.
Evaluation - The John F. Finn Institute of Public Safety will conduct process and outcome evaluations of the project. The Finn Institute has been a long time partner in Operation IMPACT and Project Safe Neighborhoods initiatives in Onondaga County.
