Community Law Center’s Post

Last week, the City of Boston released its gun violence numbers for 2023. It reported that the city experienced a record low number of shootings (144) and a decrease in homicides from 40 in 2022 to 35 in 2023. While the numbers are an improvement, at the Coalition, we know that 144 shootings is a public health crisis, and that every shooting leaves loved ones and survivors with trauma that they must deal with for the rest of their lives. It's also important to highlight that this violence is not evenly distributed throughout the city, and that gun violence disproportionately impacts Black and brown communities. We also know that while Boston saw a decrease in gun violence last year, many communities in MA with fewer community resources did not. For example, Springfield experienced a record high number of homicides (31) and every homicide except one was a shooting. We still have a lot of work to do in MA to make sure that every zip code is free from the threat of gun violence. Join us for our Quarterly Meeting today at 5PM to learn more about what action steps you can take to prevent gun violence in MA: https://buff.ly/47h7wfH Read more from The Globe here:

I am a big fan of the New York State Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) Initiative. They fund many upstate police departments to implement evidence based policies via grants to hire people. https://lnkd.in/exd8svzS When I was an analyst at Troy, I was funded through this program, around the time it changed names from IMPACT to GIVE. They also will fund sworn officer positions as well to help implement projects like focused deterrence. Their work is also very instrumental in getting different regional crime analysis centers started and funded, something that is very important for more rural agencies. I think this is a good program for other states (or the federal govt) to emulate. #evidencebasedpolicing #crimeanalysis

How can schools enhance security and support to protect students from such incidents? Juvenile Shot in School Parking Lot: Addressing Rising Gun Violence in Avondale A juvenile was shot in the parking lot of South Avondale Elementary School in Cincinnati amid increasing gun violence in the Avondale neighborhood. The incident underscores the urgent need for community-driven solutions to ensure youth safety. Key Takeaways: - Community Collaboration: Emphasize the importance of community organizations, like the Avondale Community Council and local clubs, in providing safe spaces and activities for youth. - Enhanced Security Measures: Advocate for advanced security measures, such as gunshot detection systems, to swiftly respond to and prevent further incidents. - Preventive Programs: Highlight the need for comprehensive preventive programs to engage at-risk youth and reduce gun violence through proactive community efforts. #schoolviolence #schoolsafety https://lnkd.in/g39t3eqR

This is a very important article about the nature of gun violence and death in the United States. Two big points to take away. Gun murders take place in tiny sections of a few cities, and if you are wounded in battle you are more likely to live than if you are shot in one of these American neighborhoods. I think it is also important to note the correlation of gun violence with poverty and the lack of social support systems.

In an op-ed for the Baltimore Sun, NICJR Executive Director David Muhammad details our work with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services to launch the Thrive Academy – a data-informed, youth development and violence intervention program that provides intensive community-based services to DJS-supervised youth who are at very high risk of being involved in gun violence. NICJR’s comprehensive assessment found that nearly two-thirds of youth known to DJS who are involved in shootings had previously been charged with a felony crime of violence and many had clear and immediate risk factors for violence. Muhammad explains how such data informs the growing ecosystem of gun violence intervention that is succeeding in making our streets safer. https://lnkd.in/dwnhiXvQ

📣Strategic Alignment in Gun Violence Prevention: Local and Federal Initiatives Elite Business Strategies is proud to continue its work with the Roanoke Gun Violence Prevention Commission for a second Youth and Gang Violence Community Assessment. Led by our VP of Emergency Management Program Development, Necole Holton-Jacobs, this project aims to develop actionable insights for enhancing community safety. In a parallel development, President Joe Biden has announced the formation of a federal office focused on gun violence prevention. This presents new opportunities for collaboration and amplifies the need for data-driven, community-focused solutions. The urgency is evident: Over 38,000 lives are lost annually to gun violence in the U.S. Coordinated, multi-level efforts are crucial for addressing this crisis. #GunViolencePrevention #CommunitySafety #EliteBusinessStrategies #PublicSafety #FederalInitiatives 🎥 Learn More About Our Roanoke Initiative: (https://ow.ly/kQ7i50POJ1i)

In Brooklyn North precincts, there has been a remarkable decline in shooting incidents and a decrease in the number of shooting victims, especially compared to the statistics from 2022. In 2023, several precincts stand out with significant reductions, highlighting the ongoing efforts to enhance neighborhood safety. The 81st precinct, for instance, has witnessed a substantial 59% reduction in shooting victims, underlining the effective strategies implemented to curb gun violence and protect the community. Similarly, the 73rd precinct has achieved a commendable 46% decrease, showing a substantial improvement in the security landscape. Additionally, the 75th precinct has registered a 36% reduction in shooting victims, reflecting the collaborative work of law enforcement and the community to create a safer environment. These statistics signify the success of various initiatives, such as increased community policing, gun control measures, and the engagement of residents in crime prevention efforts. This remarkable progress is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the law enforcement agencies and the community in their joint pursuit of a safer and more secure Brooklyn North. These positive trends offer hope and inspiration as communities strive for even greater safety and well-being in the years ahead. Frankie Wunschel Jim Parsons Jeffrey Butts Rashaad Porter KAVI | Kings Against Violence Initiative Kenton Kirby, LCSW Stanley Richards Campaign Zero Patrick O'Connor Vincent Schiraldi

Suicide rates in rural areas have long been higher than in cities. But nationwide, rural gun homicides have risen too, and, in some areas, outpaced their urban counterparts. From 2016 to 2020, 13 of the 20 counties with the highest gun homicide rates were in the rural South, according to the center’s study. #gunviolence #publichealth #ruralhealth #arkansas https://lnkd.in/dGfe2Uj9

Suicide rates in rural areas have long been higher than in cities. But nationwide, rural gun homicides have risen too, and, in some areas, outpaced their urban counterparts. From 2016 to 2020, 13 of the 20 counties with the highest gun homicide rates were in the rural South, according to the center’s study. #gunviolence #publichealth #ruralhealth #arkansas https://lnkd.in/dB9RVxGq

Suicide rates in rural areas have long been higher than in cities. But nationwide, rural gun homicides have risen too, and, in some areas, outpaced their urban counterparts. From 2016 to 2020, 13 of the 20 counties with the highest gun homicide rates were in the rural South, according to the center’s study. #gunviolence #publichealth #ruralhealth #arkansas https://lnkd.in/dB9RVxGq