Implementation and Impacts of the Comprehensive Gang Model: An Evaluation of Syracuse Save Our Youth

• In Event: Understanding and Responding to Gangs, Groups, and Guns

Abstract

Syracuse, New York implemented Syracuse Save Our Youth (SSOY) in 2014, based on OJJDP’s Comprehensive Gang model. SSOY is designed to prevent, reduce and eliminate violent crime committed by group-involved individuals ages 18-24 in the city’s Southside neighborhood. This paper presents key findings on SSOY implementation and an overview of the program’s effectiveness. We examine outputs associated with prevention, intervention and suppression activities and assess adherence to the program model. We then present program effectiveness both in terms of the individual client level and in the aggregate in the Southside target area. Key indicators include levels of clients’ participation in crime and gang activity over time, compared to a non-equivalent control group. We next assess changes in aggregate levels of crime (overall and gang-involved) and disorder in the Southside target area and citywide. Last, we present findings from a pre-/post-intervention community survey of residents in the Southside target area and in a comparison area. The survey data enable us to assess changes in community perceptions and activities as possible outcomes of SSOY.

Authors

• Kelly J. Becker, The John F. Finn Institute for Public Safety, Inc.

• Sarah J. McLean, The John F. Finn Institute for Public Safety, Inc.

• Robert E. Worden, University at Albany / John F. Finn Institute