A Hospital and Police Department Coordinated Violence Interruption Program in Atlanta

• In Event: New Findings from the Smart Policing Initiative #1

Abstract

Grady Memorial Hospital and the Atlanta Police Department are collaborating on a new Smart Policing project. The project focuses on curbing the precipitous increase in gun violence by preventing repeat victimization/hospitalization and retaliatory incidents. While crime has declined in the city of Atlanta over the past decade, the share of crime related to gun violence has increased abruptly, as compared to the relatively small increase in population. The nexus between the criminal justice and health arenas demanded a collaborative response, thus the Program to Interrupt Violence thru Outreach and Treatment (PIVOT) was initiated. In the first year, the PIVOT task force identified micro and macro at-risk populations, designed an experimental study, coordinated with local service providers, created a new policing position, worked across three policing units, and started piloting. The research partner will report on these activities, including challenges and early progress successes.

Author

• Shila Hawk, Applied Research Services, Inc.