Widener University, Community Partners in Delaware County Applied for Grant to Reduce Violence / Chester Recently Reported 10th Homicide of the Year
Washington, DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) called on the Bureau of Justice Assistance to give strong consideration to Widener University’s application to the Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program. This grant would provide funding to develop and implement a plan based upon a "Hot Spots Policing" strategy which would combat physical and social disorder that often leads to violence, which would lead to a safer community for residents and visitors.
“An increased investment like the Byrne Justice Innovation Program has the potential to help Widener University and the surrounding community combat violence and crime,” said Senator Casey. “We cannot afford to ignore this problem any longer, so I’m calling on the Bureau of Justice Assistance to give the Chester community funding for this program, which has proven to be instrumental in keeping citizens safe.”
The text of Senator Casey’s letter is below:
Dear Ms. O'Donnell:
It is my understanding that Widener University, located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, has submitted an application to the U.S. Department of Justice, Byrne Criminal Justice Innovation Program. The purpose of this letter is to express my support for this proposal and urge you to give it full and fair consideration.
I understand that Widener University will serve as the lead applicant, but is working in collaboration with a strong cohort of key community partners that includes the City of Chester and its Police Department, the Chester-Upland School District, the Crozer-Keystone Health System and the Chester Community Improvement Project, amongst others. I have been informed that this consortium of partners will utilize the Innovation Program funding to develop and implement a plan based upon a "Hot Spots Policing" strategy. I am further informed that this strategy will combat physical and social disorder, which often leads to violence, within the high-crime Sun Hill and East Gateway Triangle neighborhoods in the City of Chester. As it appears, the City of Chester recently reported its 10th homicide of the year, and this collaborative proposal will help make the community safer for its residents and visitors.
Thank you in advance for the consideration of my views. Please include this letter in the official record of the application. Consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, I also respectfully request that you keep me informed of the status of this grant application. Finally, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact me or my staff.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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