PSN’s enforcement strategy relies on the coordinated efforts of local, state and federal law officers. In collaboration with the Chicago Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s office reviews arrests made on gun charges in PSN’s target police districts. The USAO identifies those individuals with egregious or repeat offenses for potential federal prosecution. Together with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, the USAO determines which subjects are likely to receive stiffer sentences under federal authority and have those cases transferred to their jurisdiction. The aim of these prosecutions is to severely punish those who pose a significant danger to their communities and deter others from committing gun crime.
Among other criminal justice initiatives, PSN aims to disrupt gang activity, often a primary source of gun violence in Chicago. We also encourage community vigilance by providing telephone hotlines to allow citizens to report illegal gun possession when witnessed. Through these approaches, PSN’s partners are clamping down on individuals who choose to disobey the law.
Anti-Gang Initiative
Due to the high incidence of gang involvement in gun violence throughout Chicago and its suburbs, the USAO facilitates Gang-Strategy teams to perform investigations of gang activity in Chicagoland. Our anti-gang strategy focuses on a regional approach to address the problem of gang migration. Investigations often center on identifying high-ranking gang members that deserve higher enforcement scrutiny. The Anti-Gang Initiative’s strategy is twofold: First, to prioritize prevention programs to provide at-risk youth and ex-offenders returning to the community with opportunities that help them resist gang involvement; and second, to ensure robust enforcement when gang related violence does occur.
