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Representative Cleaver Holds Violent Crime Roundtable

Date: May 16, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Criminal Justice


Representative Cleaver Holds Violent Crime Roundtable
Meets with Local & Federal Officials, Law Enforcement Officers & Community Leaders

May 16, 2005

(Kansas City, MO)-Today, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05) held a Violent Crime Roundtable to discuss the rising tide of violence in Kansas City. In the first of a series of meetings, local and federal officials, law enforcement officers and community leaders joined Cleaver to discuss the current crime situation, the topic of youth and gang violence and what can be done to prevent the spread of violent crime in Kansas City. In 2005, there have been 39 homicides so far as opposed to 30 at this same point in 2004.

"The spread of violent crime affects every member of our community--not just the victims and their families," said Congressman Cleaver. "It is our responsibility to ensure Kansas City families are safe and secure and that parents can let their children walk down neighborhood streets without fear."

The group discussed decreasing instances of violent crime in Kansas City through preventative methods and the need to coordinate efforts and resources between local, state and federal levels.

Additionally, officials from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Attorney's office were in attendance to talk about the role that DOJ can play in decreasing the violent crime rate in Kansas City. The 5th Congressional District receives over $8 million in active funding from the Department of Justice, including funding to help prevent juvenile delinquency, grants to help prosecutors address drug, gangs and violence, Weed and Seed sites, and funding for Project Safe Neighborhoods.

"It is critical that all levels of government work together to keep our community safe," said Cleaver. "I am pleased to see such wide-spread support and commitment from local, state and federal officials in the effort to decrease violent crime in Kansas City. I look forward to working with them as we explore ways to keep our jail cells empty and our kids off the street."

http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/mo05_cleaver/PR16may05.html

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