Latest news with #PeacekeepersProgram
CBS News
17-04-2025
- CBS News
Report from Northwestern University says Chicago area Peacekeepers are helping reduce violence
A new report details the impact of the work of violence interrupters — the people assigned to look for conflicts and keep the peace in different communities in Chicago and some suburbs. Statistics from Chicago Police show shootings are down, and research from Northwestern University indicates that violence interrupters are partially to credit. "Today is just honestly a chance to say thank you," said former Chicago Public Schools chief executive officer and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Duncan on Thursday expressed gratitude to all the members of the Peacekeepers Program in their orange and yellow vests. Jamon Crawford is one of those Peacekeepers. "Every time we save a life or bring a stop to something, I'm gratified," Crawford said. Crawford's work reduces the number of times violent crimes are committed. He gave an example of how it works. "At the liquor store, we had two teenagers. One had a knife, was trying to cut the other one," she said, "and just by us pulling up, we were able to mediate the situation." Similar instances of peacekeeping in Chicago and the suburbs happened more than 2,100 times between July 2023 and December 2024. Those tense situations where violence interrupters intervened were resolved almost 70% of the time, according to the data analysis by Northwestern's Center for Neighborhood Engaged Research and Science. "Let me just start with the headline — there is a clear correlation between the work of Peacekeepers and the declines in gun violence hotspots and their surrounding communities," said Northwestern sociology professor Andrew Papachristos. Those communities also include south Chicago suburbs such as Harvey, Calumet City, and Markham. Domynique Jazmen Smith of Empower Urban Communities coordinates the dispatch of more than 60 Peacekeepers outside the Chicago city limits. "The reality is that the things that take place in the city are the same things that are taking place in the suburbs, whether that pertains to violence, whether that pertains to mental health concerns," Smith said. Applause, free lunch, and a photo opp felt good for the hundreds of Peacekeepers on hand. Underneath it all, there was a concern about whether stats would continue moving in the right direction. "To actually verbally express their appreciation, it means a lot to us," said Smith. "But we want to make sure that they continue to show us appreciation by fighting and securing those funds and resources to help us to keep doing the work." The Northwestern researchers looked at more than 200 hotspots where Peacekeepers are stationed. They found a 41% drop in violence in those specific locations.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Programs are leading to reduction in Chicago gun violence, leaders say
CHICAGO (WGN) — State and local leaders credit a state-funded anti-violence program with what they say has lead to a significant decline in gun violence in Chicago and throughout Illinois. Several community organizations focused on anti-violence efforts joined Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. JB Pritzker Thursday morning at the Pullman Community Center near East 103rd Street and South Woodlawn Avenue to tout progress made as a result of the Reimagine Public Safety Act. Pritzker signed the act into law three years ago, creating of the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention. The group is responsible for awarding grants to organizations rooted in helping reduce gun violence, including the Chicago-based Peacekeepers Program. The Peacekeepers' interventionists are deeply connected to neighborhoods harmed by violence and help mediate before and after crimes occur. Peacekeepers currently serve 40 communities and dozens of violence hotspots throughout the city. The group, along with other outreach workers, have helped in more than 2,000 mediations and negotiations that have lead to peace, officials said. According to a Northwestern University report, the efforts in 27 city and eight suburban communities served by the Peacekeepers Program resulted in a 31% reduction in gun violence in 2023 and 2024 compared to the previous two years. 'There is a clear correlation between the work of Peacekeepers and the declines in gun violence at hotspots and their surrounding communities,' said professor Andy Papachristos. Mayor Johnson said Chicago has seen a 23% decrease in homicides so far this year. He's set a goal of bringing the number of homicides to fewer than 500 this year, a number not reached since 2019. 'It's not one thing that is causing the decline in violence. I said this when I ran for office and what I've been saying since the last 20 months: It's going to take all of us to build a better, stronger, much safer Chicago.' James Mitchell once caused trouble on the streets but now works with the Crisis Prevention Response Unit that aims to connect with young people involved in so-called 'teen takeover' gatherings. 'We want the kids to come out, but we want them to enjoy it peacefully,' he said. The Crisis Prevention Response Unit is also funded through the state's Reimagine Public Safety Act. 'Frankly, the work that you do can't be done without you, the hard work that you do on the ground every single day,' Pritzker said. City data indicates that gun violence has declined in six of the last eight years and is down 35% this year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
