In May 2005, the South Bend Police Department was awarded a federal grant under Project Safe Neighborhoods to initiate a youth violence reduction program in the Northern District of Indiana. The grant will be used to create and maintain youth programs that will serve not only South Bend, but all areas that lie within the Northern District. The initiative will focus specifically on youth violent crime and rehabilitation programs. A few of the programs that are aligned with this initiative are:

The School Resource Officer Consortium of Indiana

The Anti-Gang and Gang Awareness Program

The Student Pledge Against Gun Violence

Goals of the program:

• Reduce illegal gun availability to juveniles
• Reduce the incidence of juveniles illegally carrying guns
• Reduce juvenile gun-related crimes
• Increase youth awareness of the personal and legal consequences of gun violence
• Increase participation of community residents and organizations in public safety efforts
• Improve community residents' attitude towards law enforcement and alleviate their concerns about safety
• Increase and coordinate services and resources for at-risk juveniles, especially juveniles involved in the juvenile justice system

The Youth Violence Reduction Coordinator has identified key factors that will help achieve the desired goals above. First, teens and youth must be provided positive opportunities, such as after-school, mentoring and career preparation programs. There also must be a working relationship between the community and its youth to build trust and maintain respect. There will also be a priority to coordinate law enforcement agencies into providing leadership to the local youth by becoming involved in school functions and education. The District Coordinator is committed to working with community leaders, law enforcement and school systems in providing a brighter, safer future all communities and youths in the Northern District of Indiana.

Click here for Resources and Publications Regarding Youth Violence.