Northside Community Weed and Seed (NCWS) is a strategy within the U.S. Department of Justice's Community Capacity Development Office in conjunction with the City of Birmingham that incorporates community-based initiatives. Northside Community Weed and Seed is an innovative and comprehensive multi-agency approach to law enforcement, crime prevention, and community revitalization.

Northside Community Weed and Seed seeks to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in targeted high-crime neighborhoods. The Weed and Seed neighborhood sites of the city of Birmingham are Central City, Druid Hills, and Norwood.

The strategy involves a two-pronged approach: law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cooperate in "weeding out" criminals who participate in violent crime and drug abuse, attempting to prevent their return to the targeted area; and "seeding" brings human services to the area, encompassing prevention, intervention, treatment, and neighborhood revitalization.

Birmingham Weed and Seed Policies and Procedures for New Site Development/Selection

Elements of the NCWS Strategy

• Law Enforcement
• Community Policing
• Prevention, Intervention & Treatment
• Neighborhood Restoration
• The Role of Safe Havens
• Steering Committee