North Raleigh Today

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has chosen the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) to take part in the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) program aimed at reducing violence. Through this program, the DOJ will provide intensive training and technical assistance to the RPD in various areas, including gun violence, criminal justice collaboration, investigations, constitutional policing, community engagement, crime analysis, and technology to target gun, drug, and gang violence.

According to the RPD, the PSP program has a proven track record of lowering crime rates and improving the quality of life for community members. Over the next three years, the RPD plans to develop a collaborative network involving residents, business owners, community leaders, public safety partners, and other stakeholders to create comprehensive solutions for reducing violent crime.

"The vision for this work is to gain better insight into Raleigh's unique violent crime challenges and determine system-wide approaches to implement crime reduction strategies and enhance public safety," stated the RPD.

The RPD is excited to join other PSP sites in addressing violent crime, particularly those related to gun, drug, and gang violence. Some of the other selected sites include Aurora, CO; Greensboro, NC; Phoenix, AZ; Richmond, VA; and Washington, DC.

The RPD applied to be a PSP site in May of 2023 and received official notification of its selection in November. In December of the same year, Chief Patterson, Chief of Staff Amanda Rolle, I-CARE members, and local public safety partners attended the 2023 Violent Crime Reduction Summit in Indianapolis, Indiana. During the summit, they met with other PSP site leaders to discuss expectations and goals for the partnership.

The summit also saw the participation of several notable figures, including Bishop Garland Heggie, Reverend Jeffrey Robinson, USA Criminal Chief Felice Corpening, AUSA Robert Dodson, ATF SAC Bennie Mims, US Marshal Glenn McNeill, DEA SAC Matt O’Brien, FBI RAC Steven Jessup, Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman, Wake County Health & Human Services Director Nannette Bowler, Chief of Staff Amanda Rolle, and Rocky Mount PD Chief Robert Hassell.

The PSP team, which supports local law enforcement and other key stakeholders, aims to enhance each site's capacity to address their specific violent crime challenges and improve public safety. Since its inception as a pilot program in 2014, PSP has served over 50 sites across the country. The team's work is driven by local needs and priorities, emphasizing the reduction of violent crime and increased community engagement.

The Raleigh Police Department's selection for the National Public Safety Partnership is a significant step towards developing sustainable and effective solutions to crime and enhancing public safety in the city.