LYNN — Gov. Maura Healey visited the Lynn Police Department on Thursday to lead a discussion with State and local leaders, law enforcement, prosecutors, and community partners regarding the successes and challenges of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative.
PSN invests State resources to bring State and local police together in joint operations to target gang activity, firearm violations, narcotics distribution, and human trafficking, while also awarding funds to district attorney’s offices to support prosecutions of violent crime. It also focuses on crime prevention, diversion, and reentry programs targeted toward youth. Since its inception in 2023, the program has delivered nearly $3.8 million in State funding to address community safety issues.
“Public safety is some of the most important work we can do in government. And the reason we’re able to provide public safety is because of collaboration and partnership. Collaboration between local and State government and law enforcement, as well as collaboration with local nonprofits that are out there also invested in improving the quality of life,” Healey said during a press conference after the roundtable discussion.
Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Col. Geoffrey Noble spoke about the highlights of the roundtable conversation.
“The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s vision is clear. Build strong partnerships, stay engaged with our community, and deliver services that make a difference. That means programs, the MSP team programs, where troopers mentor young adults throughout athletics. It means a trauma informed response for crime victims and their families. And it means data-driven enforcement where State and local police team up and stop major crime, remove illegal weapons and narcotics, and deliver strong cases to our prosecutors,” Noble said.
Noble continued, “The results speak for themselves. Thanks to the women and men in our respective agencies, we continue to meet and exceed the highest standards that our residents expect from us. That said, success is not only about numbers. More importantly, it’s about trust earned day after day between law enforcement, service providers, and our community. That trust is what makes progress possible.”
When it comes to current challenges PSN is facing, Healey emphasized that a priority component of the program is having access to advanced technologies, such as cameras and surveillance equipment, for quicker crime solving. However, the Trump Administration cut $7 million of Massachusetts’ public safety funding on Tuesday, impacting PSN’s resources.
“When federal funds for public safety are cut, that’s not helping us,” Healey said.
Lynn was the third and final statewide roundtable discussion regarding PSN, as Healey also visited Brockton on Sept. 24, and Holyoke on Monday.
“Different regions are working together to tackle their unique solution. What you face in your own regions is different wherever you are,” said Interim Secretary Susan Terrey.
From January to June this year, 15 grams of fentanyl/heroin, 1,061.5 grams of cocaine/crack, and 4 grams of methamphetamine were seized in Lynn under the PSN initiative. On top of that, 56 arrests and summons were made, and one illegal firearm was seized.
“Thanks to the initiatives funded through those grants, we have made significant progress in combating gang violence, gun crimes, sexual exploitation, and other crimes within our community,” said Lynn Police Chief Christopher Reddy.
He added, “It’s also allowed (us) to develop programs for young people that create a safe space opportunity and positive engagement, which is an equally important part of our approach to address crime and disorder in our communities.”
In light of the 2023 Essex Street shooting that left two people dead, and the February arrest of 22 alleged Trinitario gang members, Essex County District Attorney Paul Tucker spoke about how PSN has impacted Lynn.
“Gov. Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll reached out to us to see what we could do. We strategized; we got together with our State and local police partners, and that’s why I can stand here today and say that the streets of Lynn are safer. People have gotten their lives back,” Tucker said.
