Tampa Republic

The City of Tampa has entered the implementation phase of a $1.5 million grant awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) to reduce violent crime in the community. The initiative, developed in collaboration with the University of South Florida (USF) and Safe & Sound Hillsborough, focuses on addressing gun violence and supporting youth in the area.

Mayor Jane Castor emphasized the importance of community safety, stating, "The safety of our community is our top priority. This grant allows us to put a thorough plan into practice that addresses both crime reduction and prevention while fostering stronger relationships with our residents."

Chief Lee Bercaw of the Tampa Police Department expressed the department's commitment to community safety, stating, "This proactive approach has paid off with this grant to focus on tackling violent crime and the social issues that fuel it." He highlighted the opportunity to expand community-oriented policing efforts and collaborate with partners to enhance safety in Tampa.

Freddy Barton, Executive Director of Safe & Sound Hillsborough, highlighted the significance of the grant in breaking the cycle of recidivism and improving relationships between law enforcement and the community. He mentioned that the grant will allow for direct support to youth and families, victims of gun violence, and community groups to promote safety and reduce recidivism.

The initiative aims to address youth and community gun violence, provide services for at-risk youth and victims of gun violence, and promote long-term sustainability through partnerships with local organizations. Non-profits, faith-based groups, and mentoring organizations are encouraged to apply for grant funding to provide critical services such as case management, counseling, mentoring, and educational support.

USF will serve as a research partner for the grant, responsible for collecting and analyzing data to track the progress of the Violence Reduction Strategy and evaluating the program's efficacy. The City of Tampa and the Tampa Police Department are dedicated to collaborating with the community to create a safer environment and enhance the quality of life for residents.

The implementation phase of the grant award signifies a significant step towards achieving the goal of reducing violent crime and promoting community safety in Tampa.