Attorney General Miyares Announces Ceasefire Prosecutors to Target Violent Crime

RICHMOND, VA – Attorney General Jason Miyares, in partnership with local elected officials and law enforcement, has declared a Ceasefire in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Operation Ceasefire is a proven approach to address violent criminal activity among serious and repeat offenders, which was extremely successful in Richmond from 2004-2008. This initiative works to reduce violent crime by maintaining strategic and effective partnerships through the Commonwealth by promoting firearm safety, investing in gang prevention, and supporting community policing in high-crime neighborhoods in order to get the most violent and repeat offenders off our streets. Ceasefire will be implemented in the following cities in an attempt to reduce violent crime across Virginia: 

• Norfolk
• Hampton
• Petersburg
• Roanoke
• Newport News
• Portsmouth
• Richmond
• Chesapeake
• Emporia
• Lynchburg
• Martinsville
• Danville

Furthermore, 5-6 Special Assistant United States Attorneys will be cross-designated with the Virginia Office of Attorney General and will focus on prosecuting felony cases. The OAG will also be hiring 2-3 Group Violence Intervention Coordinators to promote proven group violence intervention strategies, coordinate resources, work with law enforcement, and develop relationships with the community to promote the implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce and prevent, violent gun and gang crimes. 

The OAG, with support from the Governor, will work with the General Assembly to fund a Victim/Witness Assistance program to provide funds for protective services to ensure that testifying does not put victims' safety at risk. Earlier this year, the General Assembly allocated $5 million for Operation Ceasefire in the budget signed by the Governor. The OAG continues working through the process and expects it to be fully funded this winter.

# # #