Lexington city leaders have quizzed local law enforcement and a prosecutor on criminal gang activity. There was a presentation Tuesday on the Project Safe Neighborhood Program.
Fayette Commonwealth’s Attorney Lou Anna Red Corn told members of a council committee that a critical component of the program is identifying high risk offenders. “Your law enforcement community, your state, local, and federal law enforcement community and your prosecutors in this county are working together like they’ve never worked together before,” said Red Corn.
Red Corn says it won’t be a quick fix when it comes to addressing violent crime. The commonwealth’s attorney says Project Safe Neighborhood is not just about arresting people, but also helping convicted felons re-enter society as productive citizens.
It emphasizes bringing federal, state, and local agencies together to reduce violent crime. Lexington Police Sargent Todd Phillips has worked on gang cases for years. “We do have a lot of local interest in gangs and have for some time now. Whether or not that is pushed in and an among itself or whether or not that’s pushed from outside, again is an ever changing thing,” noted Phillips.
The Project Safe Neighborhood Program also includes prevention, education, and support to felons as they re-entry society after time in prison.
