Evaluation of Indianapolis Comprehensive Anti-Gang Initiative Reentry Program, 2009-2010

Abstract

In 2006, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) initiated the Comprehensive Anti-Gang Initiative (CAGI) to support law enforcement in combating violent gang crime and promoting prevention efforts that discouraged gang involvement. The initiative grew out of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide program aimed at reducing gun and gang crime through support of existing local programs. DOJ dedicated $30 million in grant funding to support new and expanded anti-gang prevention and enforcement efforts through CAGI. DOJ initially provided anti-gang resources to six cities. In April 2007, CAGI was expanded to include four additional sites, including Indianapolis, Indiana. CAGI provided $2.5 million in targeted grant funding for a three-year period to each selected city to implement a threepronged strategy to reduce gang involvement and crime, which included initiatives in prevention/intervention, law enforcement, and reentry. Approximately $1 million was dedicated to support comprehensive gang prevention and intervention efforts with youth. An additional $1 million was targeted to law enforcement and $500,000 to support reentry initiatives. This report focuses on an assessment of the reentry initiatives for the CAGI grant to the city of Indianapolis through 2010.