In the 90s, a new approach to gun violence prevention developed to identify small numbers of people responsible for intra-communal violence. The goal was to offer them limited services like job training and addiction resources.
But will this approach end violence in our neighborhoods today?
It’s been linked to short-term declines in violence in some areas, but precise data is lacking. Statistics also show increases in arrests and surveillance of Black communities, which isn’t good for our residents.
The carceral logic of only a “terrible few” being responsible for all violence also fails to address violence’s root causes.
Though a small percentage may be shooting a gun, violence is systemic and culturally rooted. Is targeting individuals sustainable, especially if they believe programs are coercive threats to avoid punishment instead of genuine opportunities to improve their lives and communities?
And while Black elders and community leaders take critical mentorship roles in these programs, they frequently lack support.
In Philadelphia last December, the city’s response to the shooting of two violence intervention participants was that the tragedy emphasized how important these programs are.
Violence prevention is important.
Police alternative programs all aim to replace cops in certain roles, but they don’t all take the same approach. If a program comes to your community, you should understand what it intends to do so you can formulate an opinion for yourself.