Winter 2002

Letter to Attorney General Ashcroft

Dear Attorney General Ashcroft:

As executive director of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), president of the American Prosecutors Research Institute (APRI) and president of the National College of District Attorneys (NCDA), I wish to express support from the prosecution community for your Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative recently developed to reduce gun-related violence across America. All three prosecutor organizations are dedicated to assisting local prosecutors in identifying innovations and best practices to enhance community safety.

As you know, 95 percent of all criminal cases are prosecuted locally. Because gun violence represents one of the greatest threats to community safety, it continues to be a priority of our nation’s prosecutors, law enforcement and the public. Accordingly, we are very excited that new approaches and resources are being directed at gun-related violence efforts.

Under Project Safe Neighborhoods, federal funds have recently been made available for hiring local prosecutors to combat gun violence. The Department of Justice also has plans for significant training opportunities for prosecutors and law enforcement over the next two years. The hiring and training opportunities should serve to increase the ability and effectiveness of local prosecutors and law enforcement to combat firearm-related violent crime.

From the local prosecutor’s perspective, Project Safe Neighborhoods is an historic endeavor that will bring local prosecutors and their federal counterparts closer together in pursuing mutual goals in a collaborative way. The true beneficiary of this initiative should be the American public. Reducing gun violence and enhancing community safety is a goal and priority for all.

Local prosecutors appreciate your recognition of their critical roles in combating gun violence. We look forward to working closely with you on this promising national initiative.

Sincerely,

Newman Flanagan