FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, September 29, 2014
CONTACT: Brian Cunningham at 302-573-6054
Senator Coons, Mayor Williams announce Wilmington’s selection by Department of Justice for Violence Reduction Network
Violence Reduction Network brings federal resources to local law enforcement
WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons and Wilmington Mayor Dennis P. Williams announced on Monday Wilmington’s selection into the Department of Justice’s new Violence Reduction Network (VRN) program. Wilmington was among just five cities selected to participate in the elite new federal network bringing all of the expertise and experience of the federal government — led by former local police leaders who have reduced crime in their communities — to help cities make their streets safer. Other participating cities include Camden, New Jersey, Chicago, Oakland and Detroit.
In addition to preliminary work VRN representatives have already conducted in partner cities, city representatives will take part in a three-day kickoff summit and will continue the partnership through site visits and virtual conferencing. This is a two year partnership.
“It's everyone's responsibility to try to make our communities safer," Senator Coons said. “The city of Wilmington is facing a large task of reducing violence and violent crimes, and the Violence Reduction Network, the brand new program that brings together a number of federal law enforcement agencies with the Wilmington Police Department, will work together in an all hands on deck approach curb violence in Wilmington for the safety and peace of mind for their residents.”
“I want to thank Senator Coons for his gracious help on getting the Violence Reduction Network to Wilmington as it is something that is greatly needed,” said Mayor Williams. “I sat down with Senator Coons a year ago, and our persistence has paid off. Through the collaborative efforts of the Senator’s Office, the City and other agency stakeholders VRN will hopefully reduce crime in the City of Wilmington.”
The Violence Reduction Network begins today with a summit that will serve as an opportunity for the Department of Justice to convene agencies including ATF, DEA, Executive Office of the United States Attorneys, FBI, the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, the Office of Justice Programs, the Office on Violence Against Women and the United States Marshals Service with local law enforcement agencies.
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