Department of Justice awards $700K grant to combat gun violence in Atlanta

Ryan K. Buchanan U.S. Attorney | US Attorney's office Northern District of Georgia

The Department of Justice has allocated nearly $700,000 to the City of Atlanta to support the Atlanta Police Department's (APD) efforts in establishing an Atlanta Crime Gun Intelligence Center. This initiative aims to tackle violent crime in the area.

“Reducing violent crime is a top priority for the Department of Justice, our office, and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners,” stated U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. He emphasized that gun violence poses a significant threat to communities and highlighted the importance of this grant in strengthening collaboration with APD.

Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Jones from ATF commented on the creation of the center: “The creation of the Atlanta Crime Gun Intelligence Center will significantly enhance our ability to combat gun violence in the metro-Atlanta area.” She noted that this collaboration would bring advanced forensic tools and innovative strategies into play.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum expressed gratitude for the grant, stating, “We are profoundly grateful for the grant that will establish the Atlanta Crime Gun Intelligence Center.” He explained that it would provide APD with advanced technology and resources necessary to address gun violence, disrupt drug trafficking, and dismantle gang activity more effectively.

The awarded funds amounting to $699,539 will be used specifically for setting up a standalone forensic ballistic lab under ACGIC for quick processing of ballistic evidence related to gang and repeat offender cases. It also includes expanding NIBIN technology use across other jurisdictions alongside APD's program. Additionally, APD will collaborate with Georgia State University on developing performance measures and conducting evaluations of ACGIC efforts.

This grant marks Georgia's first award through the Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center Integration Initiative by Bureau of Justice Assistance in partnership with ATF. The initiative supports state and local governments by equipping them with resources needed to curb violent crime and illegal firearm use within their areas.

Further details about these grants can be found on OJP Grant Awards Page. The Office of Justice Programs offers federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance aimed at improving crime prevention capabilities nationwide while promoting justice equity.

For additional information contact U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. More details about U.S. Attorney’s Office for Northern District of Georgia are available at http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.