Project Safe Neighborhoods

The Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy is a comprehensive strategic approach that targets gun crime and violent offenders in an effort to make the streets and neighborhoods safer. The strategy focuses on heightened enforcement of federal firearms laws with an emphasis on offenders who use guns in the furtherance of illegal activity. The MPD also focuses on outreach activities and public awareness to reduce gun crime in our city. Officers conduct presentations at area schools, civic organizations, and youth centers to educate children and adults on the dangers of gangs and gun violence.

Corporal Kenneth Hinkle has worked as the Project Safe Neighborhoods officer since 2004. Corporal Hinkle looks at offense reports to locate local gun crimes to find suspects that meet the criteria of the Project Safe Neighborhoods strategy. Once the criteria has been met and approved, Corporal Hinkle contacts the United States District Attorney’s office to prosecute the suspect in federal court.

This strategy allows local law enforcement to work with federal agencies. Since sentences handed down in federal courts are for much longer periods, the strategy ensures that offenders are incarcerated for longer periods therefore removing criminals from our streets and neighborhoods.