City Submits OJJDP Grant Application

Salisbury Mayor James Ireton, Jr., is pleased to announce that on Friday, March 11, 2011 the City of Salisbury successfully submitted a federal grant to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention in Washington, D.C.

A $750,000, 3 year grant will fund the City of Salisbury Gang Reduction Initiative. This initiative, as with Salisbury Safe Streets, is a multi-agency collaboration with Salisbury’s Police Department, Maryland State Police, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department, the State’s Attorney’s Office, Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, and the Wicomico County Board of Education. The Gang Reduction Initiative will fund the Youth Link Gang Prevention program, the “Connections” program through the Board of Education, the Salisbury Police Department Athletic League, before and after school programs, targeted law enforcement, and police overtime.

“Chief Barbara Duncan and Colonel Ivan Barkley are building on the successes of the Safe Streets Initiative with this OJJDP grant that focuses on keeping young people from entering gangs. Our partnerships are rock-solid and making a difference in the community. We recognize the importance of partnering with the Wicomico County Board of Education in this effort providing an alternative to gangs at an early age.” Mayor Ireton said.

Salisbury Police Chief Duncan added, “This grant offers the City of Salisbury the much needed financial backing to move the community forward as partners with law enforcement in the fight against juvenile crime and gang activity. Pairing the traditional law enforcement mechanism with proven community outreach is a solid way to bring about sustainable change. By focusing the efforts of the partnership on the City's most valuable natural resource, our children, we will be taking a big step towards securing the future viability of Salisbury.”

Dr. John Fredericksen, Superintendent of Wicomico County Schools said, “I strongly support this effort to address safety in our schools and community. By acting proactively, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our youth, our families, and our neighbors.”

Dr. Margo Handy, Assistant Superintendent of Wicomico County Schools said,
“We must continue to work as community partners to ensure the safety of our students in a healthy school learning environment and at home. In addition, we should work diligently and collaboratively towards making all neighborhoods safe havens for every citizen.”