A recent discussion at the Pleasant Valley School Board meeting has brought attention to Monroe County’s acceptance of the FY 23-24 Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Grant. The grant, which covers the period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2027, amounts to $695,286 and was approved and signed by all Monroe County Commissioners, June 2024. However, concerned citizens have raised questions regarding certain provisions tied to the funding.
Majority of Grant Funds Allocated to Consultants
A review of the grant’s budget reveals that over $500,000 of the nearly $700,000 total is allocated directly to consultants. One particular line item that has drawn scrutiny is a $150,000 salary position for a “Gun Safety Coordinator”. Critics question whether this is an appropriate use of taxpayer dollars and whether such a position is necessary at this scale.
Additionally, the grant application justifies the spending by citing a few murder-suicide incidents over the last four years, leading some to argue that the county is using isolated tragedies as a pretext for expanding government spending.
Parental Concerns Over Student Survey
During the March 13th Pleasant Valley School Board meeting, a survey administered to high school students was discussed. According to reports, the survey includes questions related to the presence of firearms in students' homes. Concerned citizens argue that parents should be fully informed about this survey and the nature of the questions being asked.
It is important to note that this survey has not yet been conducted. The idea is to create and administer another survey, in addition to the information already collected by the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS). Parents should have the opportunity to review and understand this new survey before it is given to students.
Proposal to Store Personal Firearms at Law Enforcement Facilities
Another point of contention is a proposal discussed in the same meeting, which suggests that firearm owners voluntarily store their personal firearms at secured county law enforcement agency facilities. While the intent behind this initiative may be to enhance firearm safety, critics argue that it could encourage individuals to relinquish their personal responsibility for safe firearm storage within their homes. Some see this as an overreach and an attempt to discourage private firearm ownership.
Community Partnership for Gun Safety (CPGS) Initiative
The Monroe County District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff Nick Cirranello have launched the Community Partnership for Gun Safety (CPGS) initiative as part of their efforts to reduce firearm-related injury and death. Formed in 2023, the initiative includes 75+ members of law enforcement, government leaders, and community representatives who conducted a Gun Violence Community Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan for the county.
Findings from this assessment raised concerns about youth depression and access to firearms:
- According to the Pennsylvania Assessment of Youth Surveys (PAYS) data, nearly half of Monroe County youth experience depression and feelings of worthlessness.
- Over two-thirds of homes in Monroe County contain at least one firearm, a rate that exceeds the statewide average.
- Incidents of firearm-related self-harm and accidental firearm deaths in the county are higher than the state average.
In response, the DA’s office secured a second grant to fund a countywide gun safety partnership focused on advocacy, education, and support resources. Part of this initiative includes school-based programs aimed at promoting firearm safety.
Leading the initiative are:
- John Jakobsen, a retired law enforcement officer and current Stroudsburg School Board President.
- Dr. John Toleno, former school superintendent of multiple districts, including Stroudsburg and Lower Merion Township.
The CPGS program launched in December and plans to roll out gun safety-themed events and training programs throughout 2025, with active participation from Sheriff Cirranello, Jakobsen, Toleno, and the District Attorney’s Office.
CPGS Goals and Measurable Achievements
The Community Partnership for Gun Safety, an initiative under the Monroe County Office of the District Attorney, aims to implement strategies from the 2024 Strategic Plan using evidence-based prevention approaches. Over the next three years, the program will focus on community outreach, education, and training to prevent gun violence and promote safety.
Key initiatives include:
- Hiring a Gun Safety Coordinator to oversee progress, ensuring all grant objectives and activities are met. (Salary: $150,000)
- Developing outreach materials for community events to increase awareness of gun violence prevention, including:
- Number of community events attended.
- Number of businesses distributing materials to clients.
- Number of social media posts.
- Number of media outlet stories.
- A dedicated landing page on the District Attorney/Sheriff’s Office website.
Creating educational materials, including a series of videos aimed at firearm owners and the general public:
- Concealed Carry Permits: A 5-7 minute video explaining who needs one.
- Gun Ownership Safety: A beginner’s guide to responsible firearm handling.
- Firearm Storage Practices: Safe storage solutions and best practices.
- Youth Firearm Safety: A video aimed at educating children and teenagers.
- Firearms and Mental Health: Resources and guidance on firearm ownership for those struggling with mental health concerns.
- Online Gun Safety Certification Class: A digital training course for beginners.
Notably, the concealed carry permit video is described as an effort to prevent gun violence through having fewer firearms in public spaces. The grant application explicitly references an article by Sammy Caiola, a journalist from Philadelphia, titled “Gun-carrying laws are becoming looser in the U.S.; researchers and advocates say it’s a dangerous change.” This raises concerns among critics who argue that the predetermined slant of the video may discourage lawful concealed carry rather than simply inform residents about permit requirements.
- Training Law Enforcement in Crisis Intervention: Coordinating with the Crisis Intervention Team to train officers using the Memphis Model, a program that partners law enforcement with mental health providers to help those individuals with mental health issues.
“Grant Money” is Taxpayer Money
A critical point raised by concerned citizens is that grant money is not free money. These funds do not simply fall from the sky—they come from taxpayers and contribute to inflation of the money supply. Every dollar allocated through such grants adds to the overall financial burden on the public, yet they are often framed as separate from traditional government spending.
Next Steps and Further Inquiry
The grant in question is 53 pages long, and further review of its stipulations is underway. Additionally, an inquiry into the District Attorney’s Office’s version of the grant agreement is in progress, which may require a Right-To-Know request. This separate document has not yet been made available, but efforts to obtain it are ongoing.
As discussions continue, concerned citizens are urging transparency from school and county officials, emphasizing the importance of keeping parents and community members informed about policies that affect them.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing issue.