LANCASTER, S.C. — The United States Department of Justice awarded the City of Lancaster Police Department a $1.8 million dollar grant.
The 3-year grant will establish the ‘Community Violence Intervention and Prevention’ program to reduce gang and gun violence in the area and provide support for those most affected.
Key program features include:
- Three-year grant totaling approximately $1.8 million
- Focus on preventing violent crime using research-based strategies
- Emphasis on reducing gang and gun violence
- Collaboration with Community Powerhouse to support at-risk youth
- Involvement of researchers for community assessment and project evaluation
- Formation of a Community Advisory Team for input and program feedback
Additionally, Lancaster police intend to implement several new positions for the project including a Gang Investigator, a Community Liaison Officer, and a Program Coordinator.
“We are excited and optimistic about the possibilities and opportunities this grant funding will provide for our citizens here in Lancaster. We understand the real work begins now,” Chief of Police Don Roper said in a statement. “We are confident that by leveraging our strong partnerships with community members and organizations along with our law enforcement partners, we will be able to make lasting changes to improve the quality of life for our community.”
According to Lancaster Police, the force was the only site selected in South Carolina to receive the grant this year.
