Tulsa joins limited federal violent crime program

Tulsa is among five cities chosen by the U.S. Department of Justice to participate in this year’s National Public Safety Partnership program offering federal support of local law enforcement agencies’ efforts to fight violent crime.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Monday announced the selection of Tulsa in addition to Kansas City, Missouri; Miami, Florida; Saginaw, Michigan; and Salisbury, North Carolina, for the National Public Safety Partnership.

According to a news release, the program “provides a framework for enhancing federal support of state, local, and tribal law enforcement officials and prosecutors as they aggressively investigate and pursue violent criminals, specifically those involved in gun crime, drug trafficking and gang violence.”

The cities involved would be able to consult with the Justice Department, as well as receive coordinated training and technical assistance.

The Michigan and North Carolina sites will focus on developing tools to diagnose and address violent crime issues. The other sites will partner directly with federal, state, local and tribal officials to strategically address violent crime issues.

“The National Public Safety Partnership program will help five American cities to build up their own capacity to fight crime by using DOJ expertise and resources as well as evidence-based strategies customized to meet their needs,” Sessions said in the release.