“We must do everything possible to keep our communities safe. Working to end gang violence before it starts, particularly educating our youth on the dangers of gangs, is a critical step in building safer and stronger communities. This federal grant plays an important role in ensuring that local law enforcement has the resources it needs to take proactive steps to fight back against gang violence,” said Rep. Schwartz.

“This grant is a key component of the Philadelphia Police Department’s anti-gang efforts. The grant will help to ensure that our officers have the resources and training they need to continue fighting to keep gangs off our streets,” added Captain Benjamin Naish, Philadelphia Police Department spokesperson.

The federal grant was awarded to the Philadelphia Police Department to continue efforts in support of the regional Gang Resistance Education and Training Center (G.R.E.A.T.), which is a school-based, law enforcement officer-instructed classroom curriculum. The program's primary objective is prevention and is intended as an immunization against delinquency, youth violence, and gang membership.

Serving in her first term in Congress, Schwartz has supported several tough on crime bills since taking office. Schwartz voted in favor of the Gang Deterrence and Community Protection Act of 2005, H.R. 1279. Endorsed by the National Fraternal Order of Police, the Gang Deterrence and Community Protection Act provides $387 million in funding for anti-gang efforts, including the hiring of additional prosecutors and for the establishment of interagency anti-gang law enforcement teams. 

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