DOJ and Philadelphia Enter into Violent Crime Reduction Partnership

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the city of Philadelphia have announced a new partnership to assist local law enforcement in targeting violent crime.

The Violent Crime Reduction Partnership (VCRP) was formed in June 2012 and is composed of more than 50 federal law enforcement officials, including agents, investigators and intelligence analysts and representatives of DOJ’s Criminal Division.

“In these times of budgetary challenges – when police departments and other agencies are confronting growing demands with increasingly limited resources – the need for coordination among all relevant authorities has never been more critical,” said Attorney General Holder. “This surge of federal resources in Philadelphia – as well as others going on in certain cities – will enhance our ability to work with local law enforcement by targeting federal agents and others to the areas where they’re most needed so that we can better protect these communities.”

The partnership will include a four-month “surge” of federal law enforcement resources to the Philadelphia metropolitan area, which will help the region acquire upgraded technology and equipment, as well as increase funding for training, community outreach efforts, intelligence analysis capabilities, and criminal investigations and prosecutions.

To date, the partnership has resulted in more than 300 arrests for violent crime, drug, firearm and other offenses, and 80 seizures of firearms.

“[The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)], along with the Philadelphia Police Department and our DOJ partners, will focus on those who have no qualms about diminishing the quality of life in Philadelphia,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Sheree Mixell. “Those violent career criminals who illegally possess, purchase and use firearms to carry out their criminal activities, will be identified and targeted for federal prosecution through this very important initiative.”