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Contextualizing community violence intervention workers’ perspective on policing within a broader public safety ecology.

Wed, Nov 13, 12:30 to 1:50pm, Nob Hill D - Lower B2 Level

Abstract

In communities afflicted by gun violence, mistrust in law enforcement stemming from a history of racial disparities and disproportionate use of force contributes to an environment which limits police effectiveness in solving crimes and supporting victims. Consequently, there's a shift in the United States towards investing in community-based violence reduction strategies that do not solely rely on law enforcement. Community Violence Intervention (CVI) workers serve as a key solution to address these challenges, spearheading neighborhood focused efforts to prevent and intervene in violence. However, there is a dearth of scholarship examining CVI workers' perspectives on policing within their communities. This study addresses this gap by utilizing 35 interviews with Chicago CVI workers and supervisors to investigate their response strategies to homicides and shootings while working within an overpoliced environment. The analysis yielded two primary themes: 1) Navigating Systems: How CVI workers strategize responsibilities when dealing with law enforcement and 2) Operational Safety: How CVI workers ensure safety for themselves and clients while working within the broader public safety ecology of law enforcement. The study provides recommendations for the development of non-police resources to reduce community based gun violence and discuss opportunities and challenges for partnerships between CVI workers and police.

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