The New Bedford Weed and Seed Initiative is a community-based strategy sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice. This initiative, under the auspices of the New Bedford Police Department, is an innovative, comprehensive multi agency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and community revitalization. Weed and Seed is foremost a strategy-rather than a grant program-that aims to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in the specific designated area of the South End of New Bedford.

The strategy involves a two-pronged approach: law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cooperate in “weeding out” violent criminals and drug abusers, and public agencies and community based private organizations collaborate to “seed” much needed human services, including prevention, intervention, treatment, and neighborhood restoration program.
The prevention, intervention, and treatment component concentrates an array of human services to the designated area (South End) and links law enforcement; social services agencies, the private sector and the community to improve the overall quality of services to residents.

Contact: Robert K. McPherson
Office: 508. 979.1477
Cell: 508. 989.1239
Email: Robert.Mcpherson@newbedford-ma.gov