In October 2023, the US Attorney’s Office in Wyoming launched a Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Leadership Committee aimed at reducing violent crime in the state, with a specific focus on Laramie County, Oil City News reports.
The initiative, part of a nationwide effort to combat crime, brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to develop targeted strategies and enhance coordination among public safety partners.
According to a release from the US Attorney General’s Office, the committee spent the past year analyzing crime data and other factors to ensure the effective use of PSN resources. Based on their findings, the committee prioritized addressing violent offenders in the following areas:
- Crimes involving the victimization of children
- Armed offenders, particularly those prohibited from possessing firearms
- Recidivist violent criminals
- Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) offenders who commit violent acts or use firearms
- Offenders distributing controlled substances while armed
- Individuals involved in human trafficking
Laramie County law enforcement agencies, including the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office and Cheyenne Police Department, have been approved to apply for PSN grant funding. The goal, Acting US Attorney Eric Heimann explained, is to support local law enforcement efforts and prosecute violent offenders in federal court, where they could face lengthy prison sentences.
“By supporting local and state law enforcement, we can make Wyoming safer and ensure that violent offenders are held accountable,” Heimann said.
The PSN Leadership Committee includes representatives from key agencies such as the Cheyenne Police Department, Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, and federal organizations like the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals Service.
Cheyenne Police Chief Mark Francisco emphasized the importance of collaboration:
“By combining our resources and expertise, we can effectively identify offenders, enhance prevention efforts, and strengthen our communities.”
Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak plans to use PSN resources to improve local law enforcement capabilities. His office will host an advanced homicide investigation course and purchase advanced cameras to document domestic violence injuries.
Ronnie Jones, director of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, praised the initiative’s cooperative approach.
“We look forward to seeing how all stakeholders implement new strategies to address violent crime,” Jones said.
For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit www.justice.gov/psn.
