JACKSON Tenn (June 20, 2017) – Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced an initiative to combat violence and boost public safety by pledging federal resources to help 12 cities fight crime.

The announcement comes at Sessions’ speech during the opening of the National Summit on Crime Reduction and Public Safety outside of Washington. Vice President Mike Pence is expected to address the two-day summit attendees on Wednesday.

“Turning back the recent troubling increase of violent crime in our country is a top priority of the Department of Justice,, .” Sessions said in a statement.

According to the Justice Department, the initial dozen locations need “significant assistance” in combating “gun crime, drug trafficking, and gang violence.”

Sessions noted the program is aimed at fighting a “real” spike in violent crime.

“Our nation’s violent crime rate is rising. In many of our urban areas, this increase is staggering,” he said. “Every American, no matter who they are, where they live, has the right to live in safe homes, in safe neighborhoods.”

Senator Bob Corker released a statement saying “Nothing affects families more than knowing they are safe in their community, and I am glad to see the city of Jackson and the Department of Justice working together to combat violent crime,” said Corker.

The initiative will start with 12 cities joining the Justice Department’s National Public Safety Partnership, dubbed “PSP.”

The 12 cities are:

Baton Rouge, La.
Birmingham, Ala.
Buffalo, N.Y.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Houston, Texas
Indianapolis, Ind.
Jackson, Tenn.
Kansas City, Mo.
Lansing, Mich.
Memphis, Tenn.
Springfield, Ill.
Toledo, Ohio

According to Justice Department, more cities are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Keith Sherley TWITTER @keithsherley
EMAIL: [email protected]