Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco delivered remarks at the ATF’s Third Annual Chiefs of Police Executive Forum on Crime Guns, emphasizing the Department of Justice's commitment to reducing violent crime.
Monaco thanked Director Dettelbach and ATF for organizing the event, highlighting its focus on crime gun intelligence. She stated, "The Department of Justice has no higher priority than keeping our communities safe," and outlined a comprehensive strategy initiated in 2021 to address violent crime. This strategy includes targeting significant drivers of violent crime, fostering community trust, investing in prevention programs, and measuring impact through actual decreases in violent crime.
Monaco reported positive trends in crime reduction: "According to available data from 2023 — which I have on screen here — murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault show considerable declines from 2022." She noted an 18% decrease in murders in the first quarter of 2024 across 90 large cities.
Despite these improvements, Monaco acknowledged ongoing challenges with gun violence and officer safety. She referenced recent tragic incidents involving law enforcement officers and emphasized the need for continued efforts to protect both communities and officers.
Central to these efforts is crime gun intelligence. Monaco explained that Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGICs) utilize technology to trace firearms from crime scenes and link ballistics evidence. These centers combine federal, state, and local law enforcement resources to generate leads swiftly.
Monaco cited a recent case in Chicago where CGICs helped solve the murder of Officer Luis Huesca: "Using ballistics and firearms evidence processed through the Crime Gun Intelligence Center...the ATF...and their CGIC partners were able to link a suspect to Officer Huesca’s death."
To expand this initiative, Monaco announced upcoming grants totaling $4 million for existing CGIC sites and new ones. The Bureau of Justice Assistance has invested over $40 million into CGICs over eight years.
In closing, Monaco expressed gratitude for law enforcement leaders' dedication: "The Department of Justice is grateful for your service — and for the sacrifices you make every day alongside your fellow law enforcement officers."
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