U.S. Attorney Announces Support to Anchorage as Part of the National Public Safety Partnership to Combat Violent Crime

Anchorage, Alaska – As the Department of Justice continues its efforts to fulfill President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to reducing violent crime in America, Attorney General William P. Barr today announced that the District of Alaska was selected to join the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) initiative.  PSP provides a framework for enhancing federal support of state, local and tribal law enforcement officials and prosecutors as they aggressively investigate and pursue violent criminals, specifically those involved in gun crime, drug trafficking and gang violence.

“The Public Safety Partnership is a successful program that directs federal law enforcement resources to the cities where they can have the greatest impact,” Attorney General Barr said. “These resources help police departments to diagnose where crime is highest—and why—and to find, arrest and prosecute criminals.  Several participating cities have already seen dramatic reductions in violent crime over the past two years.  As we expand this program to 10 more cities across America, we are determined to replicate that success.”

The Justice Department created PSP and the Task Force on Crime Reduction and Public Safety in response to President Trump’s Feb. 9, 2017, Executive Order charging the agency with leading a national effort to combat violent crime.  In June 2017, the Department of Justice announced the formation of the National Public Safety Partnership initiative.

To be considered for selection, a site must have sustained levels of violence that far exceed the national average and demonstrate a commitment to reducing crime.  Cities must also display compliance with federal immigration requirements.

The 10 sites announced today are as follows:

• Anniston, Alabama
• Oxford, Alabama
• Anchorage, Alaska
• Davenport, Iowa
• Wichita, Kansas
• Baton Rouge, Louisiana
• Baltimore, Maryland
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Amarillo, Texas
• Harris County, Texas

“I congratulate Chief Doll and the Anchorage Police Department for their successful application to the PSP program,” said U.S. Attorney Schroder.  “APD’s dedication to seeking all available resources to help stem violent crime in Anchorage is impressive.  As the Attorney General discovered on his recent trip to Alaska, cooperation between federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies is as strong here as anywhere in the country.  Designation as a PSP city will bring additional resources to help us protect the people of Anchorage, and make all Alaskans safer.”

“This new program adds additional horsepower to the strong existing partnership between the Anchorage Police Department and the Department of Justice,” said Chief Justin Doll.  “It will be another tool in the ‘tool belt’ as Anchorage combats the increase in violent crime being felt across the country.”

Participating in PSP is consistent with the District of Alaska’s highest priority, which is fighting violent crime. 

More than 30 cities have participated in PSP.  The primary participating Justice Department components include the Office of Justice Programs, Office on Violence Against Women, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Marshals Service.

More information about PSP can be found at: http://www.nationalpublicsafetypartnership.org.