OPERATION WEED AND SEED

The U.S. Department of Justice has recognized the efforts to work at the community level to assist local groups enhance their communities. Operation Weed and Seed is a comprehensive, multi-agency, multi-level action plan of “weeding” out of crime, drugs, and violence while “seeding” in human services encompassing prevention, intervention, treatment, and neighborhood revitalization.

There are four basic elements to the plan:

1. Law Enforcement
Law enforcement, with the help of local prosecutors, carry out the “weeding” activities through the coordination of Federal, State, and Local law enforcement agencies.

2. Community Policing
Serves as the bridge between the “weeding” and “seeding”.  Law enforcement and prosecutors work closely with residents to develop solutions to problems and to foster a sense of local responsibility.

3. Prevention, Intervention, and Treatment
Initiated concurrent with “weeding” activities.  Coordinated efforts of law enforcement, social service agencies, schools, the private sector, and the community help to prevent crime from occurring by ensuring programs are available for those in need and by helping to identify those who may benefit from those programs.

This area also includes programming aspects for physical locations, which are designated as “safe havens”.  The buildings already exist but may need enhancement funds or cooperative partnerships to provide activities, which provide prevention as a major goal.

4. Neighborhood Restoration
Designed to improve the quality of life for the area.  Neighborhood restoration focuses on economic development, strengthening existing resources and institutions, providing multiple resources, and physical improvements.