The Crime and Justice Institute at CRJ has received a $42,400 grant through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to continue working to help curb gang violence in Fall River.
Gov. Charlie Baker and Secretary of Public Safety and Security Dan Bennett announced the award during an event at the State House on Tuesday. The grant is part of the Shannon Community Safety Initiative, which funds communities and research partners in areas with high levels of youth violence and gang problems.
The grant will allow CJI to continue its 10-year partnership with community organizations, city and county agencies, and local and state law enforcement dedicated to reducing youth and gang violence in Fall River.
Since 2006, CJI has worked closely with its partners in Fall River to use data to guide and assess their efforts. That work has included helping the city enhance strategies and develop new initiatives by collecting and analyzing youth crime data, conducting interviews and surveys, and assisting Fall River in implementing best practices in this type of collaborative initiative.
Fall River received a separate Shannon grant totaling $384,200.
Pictured at right: Mike Kane (CJI); state Rep. Carole Fiola (D-Fall River); Christian McCloskey, Fall River Shannon Community Safety Initiative site director; Julie Finn (CJI); Abigail Strait (CJI); and state Rep. Paul Schmid III (D-Westport) at a State House event announing the Shannon grant awards Tuesday, Jan. 10.