Atlanta Police Department Secures Nearly $700,000 Grant for Crime Gun Intelligence Center
The Department of Justice has announced an award of nearly $700,000 to the City of Atlanta to support the Atlanta Police Department’s (APD) initiative to establish an Atlanta Crime Gun Intelligence Center (ACGIC) aimed at combating violent crime.
“Reducing violent crime is a top priority for the Department of Justice, our office, and our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners,” stated U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “Gun violence in particular remains a pervasive threat to our communities. This grant to the City of Atlanta will strengthen our ongoing collaborative efforts with the Atlanta Police Department and reflects the long-standing and successful partnerships our offices have forged to reduce and prevent violent crime.”
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Jones from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) added, “The creation of the Atlanta Crime Gun Intelligence Center will significantly enhance our ability to combat gun violence in the metro-Atlanta area. This collaboration will bring advanced forensic tools and innovative strategies to the forefront of our efforts, allowing us to swiftly identify and apprehend violent offenders.”
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum expressed gratitude for the grant, stating, “We are profoundly grateful for the grant that will establish the Atlanta Crime Gun Intelligence Center. This initiative will equip the Atlanta Police Department with advanced technology and critical resources to combat gun violence, disrupt drug trafficking, and dismantle gang activity more effectively. Through innovation and strategic partnerships, we are committed to enhancing the safety and security of our communities.”
The grant of $699,539 will fund the establishment of the ACGIC, which includes creating a standalone forensic ballistic lab for prioritizing and swiftly processing ballistic evidence in cases involving gangs and repeat offenders. The initiative will also expand the use of the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) technology by other law enforcement jurisdictions in conjunction with APD’s program.
Additionally, APD will collaborate with Georgia State University to develop, implement, and monitor agreed-upon performance measures, as well as conduct evaluations of ACGIC efforts.
This award marks the first of its kind in the state of Georgia and is made through the Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center Integration (CGIC) Initiative, administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance in partnership with the ATF. The grant aims to provide funding to state and local government organizations, equipping them with the resources needed to reduce violent crime and the illegal use of firearms within their jurisdictions by integrating with local ATF Crime Gun Intelligence Centers.
This award is also made as part of the regular end-of-fiscal year cycle. More information about these and other OJP awards can be found on the OJP Grant Awards Page.
The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation’s capacity to prevent and reduce crime; advance equity and fairness in the administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices – the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime, and SMART Office – can be found at www.ojp.gov.
