Barbershop as a Refuge
Before becoming mayor, Brandon Scott frequented a barbershop in the Irvington neighborhood, which served as a sanctuary for locals, shielding them from gangs and drug dealers. It provided a space for conversation, fostering a sense of community.
Revived Violence Reduction Strategy
In recent months, the neighborhood’s safety has expanded due to the mayor’s office’s reinstated Group Violence Reduction Strategy. In March, a takedown of an alleged drug trafficking organization that had plagued the area led to the indictment of 12 individuals on drug and gun charges. The mayor emphasized the need for residents to embrace the strategy’s aim of deterring violence.
Success of the Strategy
The strategy has shown success in reducing shootings through collaboration among law enforcement, social services, and community members. It played a significant role in Baltimore’s record-breaking 21% annual decline in homicides last year and a further 34% drop this year through July 8th.
National Trends and Funding
Similar trends are emerging across the country, with officials in Baltimore, Detroit, and San Antonio crediting recent investments in crime-fighting strategies that combine social services, community intervention, and federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
FBI Violent Crime Data
According to recent FBI data, the nationwide rate of violent crime dropped 3% between 2022 and 2023, along with a nearly 12% decrease in murder and non-negligent manslaughter. This decline has become a key political issue ahead of the 2024 election.
Community Buy-In in Baltimore
Baltimore officials emphasize the Group Violence Reduction Strategy’s focus on community input. The city has a history of low trust in government, particularly after Freddie Gray’s death in police custody in 2015. The strategy aims to build stronger partnerships with residents.
Implementation of the Group Violence Reduction Strategy
In 2022, Scott transformed a previous program into the Group Violence Reduction Strategy, targeting the Western District, which has faced high murder and shooting rates for nearly a decade. The strategy identifies individuals at risk of becoming victims or perpetrators of gun violence and provides them with support for substance abuse and job placement counseling.
Impact in Irvington
Since the city’s crackdown on the alleged drug ring, the Irvington area has become more peaceful and quieter. However, concerns remain about the cyclical nature of crime.
Community-Centered Strategy in Detroit
Detroit has implemented a community-centered approach to violence prevention through its ShotStoppers program. Deputy Mayor Todd Bettison recognizes the effectiveness of community groups in deescalating tensions.
Funding for ShotStoppers
The American Rescue Plan Act provided funding for ShotStoppers, allowing select community groups to enact their own strategies to reduce homicides and shootings in designated areas.
Success of FORCE Detroit
The most successful of the six initial ShotStoppers groups is FORCE Detroit, which focuses on meeting residents’ basic needs and utilizing “credible messengers” to intervene in potential conflicts. FORCE Detroit saw a 72% drop in homicides and non-fatal shootings in its zone from November to January, and a 67% change from February through April.
Police Acknowledgement of Value
Assistant Chief of Police Charles Fitzgerald recognizes the community violence intervention effort as a valuable tool in reducing violent crime.
Extension of FORCE Detroit’s Contract
The mayor’s office announced the extension of FORCE Detroit’s ShotStoppers contract for another year, indicating the city’s commitment to the program.
Violent Crime Reduction Plan in San Antonio
San Antonio has adopted a three-phase Violent Crime Reduction Plan developed by criminologists. The plan combines existing strategies and deploys them in a novel way.
Phase One: Hotspot Policing
Phase one focuses on hotspot policing, increasing police visibility in areas with high crime rates. The strategy resulted in a 37% decrease in violent crime in high crime areas last year.
Phase Two: Problem-Oriented Policing
Phase two addresses underlying conditions that contribute to crime by analyzing historical data and identifying solutions.
Phase Three: Focused Deterrence
Phase three targets individuals disproportionately responsible for violent crime and offers them support and resources to change their behavior.
Skepticism and Resident Concerns
While some residents appreciate the declining homicide rate, others remain skeptical about its impact on their safety, citing ongoing gunshots and property crime. Councilperson Jalen McKee-Rodriguez believes the Violent Crime Reduction Plan’s first phase addresses only surface-level issues and does not tackle root causes like poverty.
Addressing Root Issues
The city is working to address root issues of crime through partnerships with social service agencies and programs that aim to break cycles of violence.
Investment in Community Groups
Detroit’s investment in community groups reflects a shift in thinking, recognizing the value of their work and demonstrating the need for a systemic approach to crime reduction.
