The city of Compton was chosen to become part of the U.S. Justice Department’s Violence Reduction Network, a program aimed at providing assistance to cities affected by chronic violence, federal and local officials announced Monday.
The two-year program will allow sheriff’s officials at the Compton station to work with the Department of Justice and the city to address key areas including gang violence and prevention, human trafficking, homelessness, at-risk youth and trust-building.
“The city of Compton is extremely pleased to partner with the DOJ and the entire VRN team to enhance public safety in a dynamic and strategic way,” Mayor Aja Brown said. “The VRN is definitely a game changer for public safety in Compton that will positively impact the quality of life for our entire community.”
Sheriff Jim McDonnell said progress has been made in recent years addressing crime in Compton, but more work needs to be done.
“I am confident that today’s launch will not simply improve public safety in the city of Compton, but also make crime-reduction strategies in Compton a model for other cities around the nation,” McDonnell said.
As part of the program, an assistant U.S. attorney will work out of the sheriff’s Compton station to help coordinate resources and work with the District Attorney’s Office to coordinate criminal prosecutions in federal and state courts.
“For decades, Compton has been deeply affected by violence linked to gangs and other other criminal activity,” U.S. Attorney Eileen M. Decker said. “The residents of Compton deserve safe neighborhoods and parks where their children can play. We are committed to helping city officials and Sheriff McDonnell make meaningful and long-lasting improvements to the daily lives of Compton residents.”
— Wire reports