DOJ Seeks $200M for Gang-Busting
The Department of Justice is seeking substantially to increase federal funding of efforts to combat gang-related crime blamed for much of the violence that occurs throughout the nation.
Attorney General Michael Mukasey announced yesterday that the DOJ will ask Congress to appropriate $200 million as part of the budgeting process to pay for grants to cities establishing task forces to combat gangs, reports CNN. Last year, the Violent Crime Reduction Partnership program was established with $75 million, so the $200 million sought this year represents a significant funding increase.
“This initiative will help communities address their specific violent crime challenges, especially where multiple jurisdictions are involved,” he explained to the National Conference of Mayors in Washington. “We’ll be able to send targeted resources where they are needed the most and where they show the most promise.”
