The University of North Alabama’s Helping Our Partners Excel project seeks to reduce and prevent violent crime. The three-phase project includes law enforcement training, school-based violence prevention programs and rehabilitation to help criminals avoid returning to a life of violence.

“A successful fight against violent crime requires both punishment and prevention,” Bentley said. “I commend those involved with this project for their efforts to prevent and reduce violence in Alabama.”

The first part of Project HOPE involves training specially selected law enforcement officers from 31 north Alabama counties. Experts teach participants the latest techniques of tracking and tracing weapons and ammunition.

In the second phase, prevention coordinator and four students from the university’s Criminal Justice Program will develop up to eight lessons for fifth graders in the district’s areas that teach them about making good decisions concerning guns, bullies and peer pressure.

Project HOPE’s third phase is called “Re-Entry.” It’s a component designed to reduce the number of repeat gun-crimes by those who have been previously convicted. The project will connect participants with support services and organizations that help those who have been recently released avoid committing another crime.

Bentley awarded the grant from funds made available to the state by the U.S. Justice Department. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the award.

Bentley informed Tanja Blackstone, UNA Sponsored Programs director, that the grant had been approved.

Contact: Russell Sellers, Larry Childers