Operation Weed and Seed is primarily a strategy, more than a grant program, which aims to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in designated high-crime neighborhoods across the country. Sites can range in size from several neighborhood blocks to several square miles. The strategy involves a two-pronged approach: "weeding out" criminals who participate in violent crime and drug abuse, attempting to prevent their return to the targeted area through police and prosecutor cooperation; and "seeding" that brings human services into the targeted area to facilitate prevention, intervention, treatment, and neighborhood revitalization. A community-oriented policing component bridges the weeding and seeding strategies. At each site, the U.S. attorney has a central role in organizing the Steering Committee and bringing together the communities with other Weed-and-Seed participants. A prospective site applies for official recognition of its Weed-and-Seed strategy by submitting it proposed strategy to the Executive Office for Weed and Seed (EOWS) for review and approval. Benefits of official recognition include preference in receiving discretionary resources from participating Federal agencies; priority for participating in federally sponsored training and technical assistance; use of the official Weed-and-Seed logo; and eligibility to apply for Weed-and-Seed funds. During fiscal year 2003, approximately 300 communities used funding from the EOWS. Evaluation ensures that the strategy is working in the sites, and the EOWS oversees the implementation of site programs.