Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) was launched by the United States Department of Justice in 2001 to reduce gun violence and violent crime across America. Re-introduced to Durham in July of 2023 by Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead, PSN is a nationwide initiative that brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement, prosecutors, probation, clergy, service providers, government agencies, community-based partners, and other stakeholders to identify the most pressing crime problems in our communities and develop data-driven comprehensive solutions to address them.

The Message

PSN does not offer immunity for offenders for past serious criminal activity. PSN promises to assist in the vigorous prosecution of chronic individual, group, and gang-related violence; and those who persist in criminal activity and/or illegal gun possession. PSN does promise, with its partners, to assist those who want to change by connecting them with all available resources. 

Stop the Violence ~ No Illegal Guns 

 
PSN is a coordinated and comprehensive strategy where we collect and analyze data, share information, collaborate with partners, reach consensus about priorities, make the best decisions possible, and then coordinate actions across systems to reduce violence. 
The point of PSN is designed to be surgical and focused and to utilize objective data rather than subjective opinion. PSN concentrates on prevention, intervention, supervision, notification, reentry, resource delivery, investigation, and prosecution efforts on violent offenders and groups that are driving violence (VIP’s – Violent Impact Players).