The surprising way to stop shootings that doesn't involve more cops and arrests

Samantha Michaels

July 31, 2020 |

Mother Jones |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Oakland, California

After two failed attempts, Oakland Ceasefire retooled its approach and since 2013 has been a significant factor in lowering homicides and nonfatal shootings. The program, used in various ways in many cities, identifies young men at high risk of getting shot or shooting others and then offers them life coaching and social services to keep them out of trouble. By de-emphasizing the role of police, pinpointing those most in need of help, boosting community involvement, and forming deeper personal relationships, the program is credited with a 32% reduction in gun homicides over a six-year study.

Read More

Go to Original Story

Rayuwa Da Korona: How two local radio stations are responding to COVID-19 in Kano State

el-Hamza Misbahu

July 21, 2020 |

Nigeria Health Watch |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Nigeria, Kano

Arewa Radio and Freedom Radio, two stations with large audiences in Kano State, actively combat misinformation and false rumors about the coronavirus. The stations run programming that builds trust and confidence between the public and health officials. They engage local religious leaders, who are very influential in the area, provide forums for listeners to ask questions of experts, and air programming in local languages with titles such as “Demystifying COVID-19” and “Eradicating COVID-19." Although they try to make programming widely accessible, some want content available online and in infographic form.

Read More

Go to Original Story

Bankruptcy forced this California city to defund police. Here's how it changed public safety

Anita Chabria

July 13, 2020 |

Los Angeles Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Stockton, California

Since filing for bankruptcy in 2012, at a time of high unemployment, spiking homicide rates, and deep alienation of the public from its police, Stockton, California has served as an experiment in involuntarily defunding of a police department. The city’s police chief championed a rethinking of policing’s role, seeking community partnerships with a police force whose ranks had been reduced to one of the lowest per-capita in the U.S. Serious problems remain, but public trust is up, crime is down, and homicides are solved at a much higher rate than in most cities.

Read More

Go to Original Story

Could This City Hold the Key to the Future of Policing in America?

Joseph Goldstein Kevin Armstrong

July 12, 2020 |

The New York Times |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Camden, New Jersey

Although driven by financial desperation and a desire to break a union, Camden, New Jersey’s decision to dismantle its police department and form a new one focused more on limiting its use of force has paid off in better community relations and arguably a role in reducing the city’s violence. Its approach is in high demand by other cities facing the same problems Camden confronted. At the same time, the reconstituted police force is faulted by critics for relying on intrusive surveillance and making racially disparate arrests for minor offenses.

Read More

Go to Original Story

The Latino Task Force emerges to take on COVID-19

Lydia Chavez

July 10, 2020 |

Mission Local |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, San Francisco, California

The Latino Task Force emerged in response to Covid-19 and has effectively provided services to the Mission District’s Latinx community. Formed by longtime grassroots activists turned influential community leaders, the Task Force and its volunteers provide Spanish-language information, food aid, and funds for out of work or sick residents. They also run the Hub, a physical location where, among other services, residents can get help applying for assistance. While information quickly becomes out of date and individuals' needs change, the Task Force has successfully listened to and responded to community needs.

Read More

Go to Original Story

A grassroots policing alternative in Hartford spreads its wings

Isabella Zou

July 08, 2020 |

The Connecticut Mirror |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Hartford, Connecticut

Members of a community group in North Hartford, CT, are a positive presence on the streets of the dangerous neighborhood they once grew up in. Men Standing Up Against Violence aim to deter violence, provide support, mediate conflicts, and mentor the youth. The presence of the group was initially unwelcomed by local police officers, but they have proven to be an effective and vital addition to the neighborhood, winning over both the community and the local police department. The group's success is attributed to the trust they've built with locals who often have a deep mistrust and fear of the police.

Read More

Go to Original Story

Community Workers Lend Human Connection To COVID-19 Response

Rob Waters

July 07, 2020 |

Health Affairs |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Community health workers have long been helping people navigate the intersection of health care and social services in the United States, such as in Philadelphia, where one program stands out for its overall design and continuous rigorous evaluation. Studies of the program indicate that those who worked with community health workers improved their overall health compared to those who received standard care. Now, as many cities navigate the Covid-19 pandemic, some officials see an opportunity to expand the workforce to also provide "social, material and psychological support."

Read More

Go to Original Story

This town of 170,000 replaced some cops with medics and mental health workers. It's worked for over 30 years

Scottie Andrew

July 05, 2020 |

CNN |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Eugene, Oregon

The CAHOOTS crisis-response program saves its city money and its people living on the streets a great deal of unwanted police contact – contact that in other places is a common cause of excessive force and arrests that solve nothing. And, while less than 1% of its calls require police backup, the resource-thin agency cautions that it is a partner with police, not an antagonistic replacement, and that its model cannot simply be copied wholesale regardless of where it's used.

Read More

Go to Original Story

Comprehensive Services Key In Deterring Violence, Crime and Negative Interactions With Police

Alexis Taylor

July 03, 2020 |

Afro News |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Baltimore, Maryland

Two programs targeting two types of problems have been successful with one common element: interventions that provide needed social services rather than rely only on police responses. In Baltimore, shootings and homicides in the Belair-Edison neighborhood are down 20% in the year since the Safe Streets program put violence interrupters on the street to cool disputes before they turn violent. In Dallas, the Rapid Integrated Group Healthcare Team's medical and social-worker responses to mental health crises reduced emergency room admissions 30%, replacing arrests with social and health services.

Read More

Go to Original Story

Black lives matter, LGBTQ groups find common ground in fight against police brutality

Martha Quillin

July 02, 2020 |

The News & Observer |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Raleigh, North Carolina

Black Lives Matters and LGBTQ protests, set to take place on the same day, merged into a single much larger march demanding civil rights. Racism in the LGBTQ community and homophobia in the Black community have previously led to divides, but people who are members of both the Black and LGBTQ communities have advocated inclusivity and broad representation. Both groups have created space to question how multiple oppressions work in society and where there is overlap between the two. Ultimately, members were able to find common ground advocating against police brutality and systemic discrimination.

Read More