WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE), John Cornyn (R-TX), Gary Peters (D-MI), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Reauthorization Act to reauthorize this nationwide law enforcement program that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime.
“Since its inception, the Project Safe Neighborhoods program has a proven track record of reducing violent crime and protecting communities,” said Fischer. “I’m proud to support this commonsense legislation, which continues to provide Nebraska’s law enforcement with the resources they need to keep our communities safe.”
“For more than two decades, the Project Safe Neighborhoods program has successfully implemented data-backed solutions to lower the rate of violent crime and help keep dangerous criminals off our streets,” said Cornyn. “This legislation would build on this impressive track record and foster greater collaboration between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make America safe again.”“Building trust and partnerships between local law enforcement and the people they serve is absolutely essential to strengthening our communities,” said Peters. “Project Safe Neighborhoods is proven to be an effective tool for reducing violent crime, including drug and gun violence, so I’m proud to again lead this bipartisan legislation to ensure this important program can continue making a difference in the years to come.”
“For over two decades, Project Safe Neighborhoods has worked to combat violent crime by fostering collaboration between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies,” said Grassley. “I’m proud to back the blue and support Project Safe Neighborhoods’ comprehensive approach to crime fighting, which includes a provision in honor of fallen Iowa State Patrol Sergeant Jim Smith.”“For over 20 years, Project Safe Neighborhoods has helped law enforcement agencies across the country implement proven strategies to reduce violent crime and protect our communities,” said Tillis. “This legislation provides much-needed support to local law enforcement to combat crime and map overdose patterns in our communities. I am proud to support this commonsense legislation to create safer neighborhoods for future generations.”
Background:
Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutors that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime. Under this program, law enforcement agencies focus their enforcement efforts on organized criminal networks and repeat offenders that drive crime rates in a particular region. Project Safe Neighborhoods also works to build trust and partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve through coordinated outreach, public awareness, innovative tactics, and collaborative interventions.
Since its inception in 2001, Project Safe Neighborhoods has been successfully deployed by both Democratic and Republican administrations to reduce violent crime in large cities and smaller communities across the country. According to a Michigan State University study funded by the Department of Justice in 2013, Project Safe Neighborhoods was associated with a 13.1% decrease in violent crime in cities with a high rate of program participation. This included double-digit reductions in total firearm crimes and homicides in every city examined by the study.
Specifically, the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Reauthorization Act of 2025:
- Authorizes the Project Safe Neighborhoods Program for Fiscal Years 2026-2030 at $50 million – consistent with current appropriations levels.
- Requires participating entities to create and implement strategic plans to reduce violent crimes by focusing on criminal organizations and individuals responsible for increasing violence in a particular jurisdiction.
- Prioritizes the investigation and prosecution of individuals who have an aggravating or leadership role in a criminal organization.
- Strengthens evidence-based and data-driven intervention and prevention initiatives, including juvenile justice projects, street-level outreach, conflict mediation, the provision of treatment and social services, and improving community anti-violence norms.
- Reserves 30% of funding for established regional law enforcement task forces.
- Allows funds to be used for the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program, evidence base programs to reduce gun crime and gang violence, community-based violence prevention initiatives, and violence education, prevention, and intervention programs.
- Improves communities’ ability to respond to opioid overdoses by promoting the hiring and training of law enforcement officials and data analysts to swiftly investigate and identify drug dealers connected to overdoses.
This legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police, Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Sergeants Benevolent Association, National Association of Police Organizations, Major County Sheriffs of America, National District Attorneys Association, Major Cities Chiefs Association, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, and National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition.