Project Safe Neighborhoods is the premier violent crime reduction program of the U.S. Department of Justice. Established in 2001 and strengthened earlier this year, PSN promotes community safety through strategic cooperation and information sharing among law enforcement partners, proactive identification and apprehension of drivers of violent crime, and swift and effective criminal prosecution to enhance accountability and deterrence.
Last week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia released its first Project Safe Neighborhoods Annual Report. The report highlights the results of three combined law enforcement operations conducted over the last year by over 50 federal, state, and local partners in Danville, Roanoke, Lynchburg and surrounding counties. As a result of the combined efforts of law enforcement personnel, over 400 fugitives, 65 illegal firearms and enough fentanyl to kill over 215,000 Virginians were taken off our streets. Their efforts saved lives and made our communities safer. Moreover, law enforcement personnel from dozens of local, state, and federal agencies reinforced the professional partnerships and personal relationships which enhance community safety and the well-being of the citizens we serve.
Danville
Starting in October of last year, Operation Washout – No Limits Danville consisted of the men and women of the Danville Police Department, area sheriffs, federal law enforcement agencies, commonwealth’s attorneys, Virginia State Police, the Virginia Attorney General’s office, and other partners. Over five weeks, 96 fugitives were apprehended for offenses including homicide, rape, abduction, armed robbery, and assault of a law enforcement officer. Fifteen firearms and enough fentanyl to kill over 27,000 Virginians were taken off our streets. A missing child was found. As Danville Police Chief Wiles noted, “[t]he operation’s success is a clear reminder that when agencies work together with a shared mission, coordinated strategy, and mutual trust, we achieve results that no single agency could ever accomplish alone.”
Roanoke
In May of this year, Operation Combined Resolve Roanoke Valley resulted in the arrest of 150 fugitives wanted for illegally possessing firearms, carjacking, robbery, assault on law enforcement, aggravated sexual battery, solicitation of a child and other serious offenses. Local, state and federal partners from over a dozen agencies served over 300 warrants, seized 21 firearms, kilos of methamphetamine and cocaine, and removed enough fentanyl to kill the population of the entire Roanoke Valley. Roanoke City Police Chief Scott Booth observed: “Together, we are sending a clear message that public safety remains our top priority and that law enforcement agencies across this region stand united in our commitment to reducing violent crime, removing illegal drugs and firearms from our streets, and holding offenders accountable.”
Lynchburg
Finally, in August, law enforcement officers from 21 local, state and federal agencies in Lynchburg, Amherst, Bedford, Campbell, Pittsylvania and surrounding counties arrested 140 fugitives wanted for illegal firearms, armed robbery and other violent offenses, and executed 316 warrants in the greater Lynchburg area. Operation United Resolve seized 29 firearms, more than 600 grams of cocaine, 25 grams of fentanyl and 212 grams of MDMA.
Roanoke Police Chief Kennith Edwards observed: “[w]orking diligently with our federal, state, and local partners allows us to pool our strength, hold violent offenders accountable, and deliver the peace of mind and security that every resident in Lynchburg deserves.”
Lynchburg Commonwealth’s Attorney Bethany Harrison stated: “We are so grateful to our local, state, and federal partners who executed this successful operation that found wanted suspects and removed illegal guns and drugs from the streets. This continuing partnership strengths and secures our community.”
The success of these operations is a testament to the courage, professionalism and combined resolve of federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Acting United States Marshal Matt Davis, who played an integral role in the organization and coordination of these efforts, noted: “[t]he citizens of Western Virginia deserve safe streets and to not be exposed to violent offenders and predators. The officers who participated in these operations spent countless hours and risked their lives to protect our citizens.”
Officers from Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigations, U.S. Postal Service, Homeland Security Investigations and other federal agencies played a key role. In each of these operations, representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and designees from area commonwealth’s attorneys provided legal and technical assistance to law enforcement officers in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. For those who face prosecution in federal court, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will seek maximum accountability to deter future crime and advance the dignity and promise of safe neighborhoods for all our residents.
Current crime trends and next steps
Over the last year, national crime rates have seen a historic decline. The citizens of the Western District of Virginia should take pride in the extraordinary efforts of law enforcement officers who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe. The results of combined local, state, and federal law enforcement operations in Danville, Roanoke, and Lynchburg deserve our appreciation — and respect. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to strengthen the cooperative law enforcement partnerships which are defining features of Project Safe Neighborhoods. Our citizens deserve no less.
Robert Tracci is the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia.
