SAO4 Receives Award for Support of Project Safe Neighborhoods

The Department of Justice today recognized State Attorney Melissa Nelson and the Fourth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office with the “Outstanding Local Prosecutor’s Office Award” for their ongoing efforts in Project Safe Neighborhoods.

“Public safety is the culmination of leadership, vision, and a commitment to improving the quality of life in her community,” said U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez. “Melissa Nelson has achieved all three. Through a spirit of cooperation and public service, she has dedicated herself and her office to reducing crime by investing in people, proven methods of technologies, and imagining new possibilities. The success of Project Safe Neighborhoods in northeast Florida is directly attributable to her ability to galvanize her office, critical agencies and community partners around a common goal — creating safer communities.”

The Project Safe Neighborhood initiative brings law enforcement of all levels together to reduce violent crime, prosecute those who drive violence in the community, and make neighborhoods safer. The award was one of two bestowed to a prosecutor’s office in the U.S.

The office advocated for the Crime Gun Intelligence Center and worked with city leaders and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) to open a center in May 2019. It is staffed with members from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and JSO, who work with the office’s Targeted Prosecution Unit and U.S. Attorney’s Office to combat gun crime.

“This is an incredible honor for this office and a testament to the hard work of everyone who has dedicated their career to making our community a safer place,” said Nelson.