Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco addressed attendees at the Justice Department’s Annual Crime Gun Intelligence Center Conference on June 26, 2024. In her remarks, she acknowledged the efforts of law enforcement leaders in addressing the rise in violent crime that began during the pandemic in 2020.
Monaco expressed gratitude to Chief Morales and the Miami Police Department for hosting this year’s training, as well as to President Jim Burch and his team at the National Policing Institute, the Bureau of Justice Assistance, and ATF for their collaboration.
She emphasized that since 2021, the Justice Department has been implementing a comprehensive strategy to reduce violent crime. This strategy is built on four pillars: focusing on significant drivers of violent crime such as repeat offenders; building trust within communities; investing in community-based prevention and intervention programs; and measuring results by actual decreases in violent crime.
Monaco highlighted that local, state, and federal law enforcement efforts have led to a nationwide decrease in violent crime. She noted that last year saw an almost 6 percent reduction in violent crime and a 13 percent drop in murders. Early data from this year shows murders down by more than 26 percent compared to the same period last year.
A key factor contributing to these positive trends is crime gun intelligence. Monaco praised law enforcement agencies for their collaborative efforts across various regions, including Pitt County, North Carolina; Pinal County, Arizona; Chattanooga; and Chicago. She described how Crime Gun Intelligence Centers (CGICs) embody a "one team, one fight" approach by generating leads swiftly and identifying dangerous individuals.
Despite progress made through CGICs, Monaco stressed that more work remains. She pointed out that every community affected by gun violence stands to benefit from enhanced crime gun intelligence. The return on investment for CGICs is profound—measured in lives saved and safer streets.
Monaco mentioned recent expansions of CGICs, including a new center opened by Attorney General Merrick Garland in Cleveland and an expanded site announced by herself in Chicago. She reaffirmed that CGICs are a priority for the Department of Justice but noted concerns over current budget cuts from Congress affecting critical resources needed for furthering this initiative.
In closing her remarks, Monaco thanked all attendees for their commitment to training and service to their communities. "We’re so proud to stand with you," she said before wishing them success on day two of the conference.