Between a Bullet and a Safe Place: Examinations of Community Violence Intervention Workers

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract/Description

In marginalized Black and Latinx urban neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by gun violence, Community violence intervention (CVI) workers have been established as viable non-police resources to enhance safety and prevent further victimization. However, CVI workers must navigate their professional responsibilities within a broader public safety ecology that is often overpoliced. Research is needed to understand the impact of persistent responses to homicides on CVI workers wellbeing. Additionally, scholarship exploring how CVI workers balance reducing violence, maintain client safety and leverage their street credibility in highly policed areas is paramount as investment in non-law enforcement CVI strategies grow. The studies in this thematic panel address these gaps by utilizing qualitative interviews and field observation with CVI workers and supervisors in Chicago and Denver. Findings from these studies illuminate 1) CVI workers perspective on the role that personal and agency legitimacy has on violence reduction 2) How CVI workers strategize responsibilities, personal and client safety when interacting with law enforcement and 3) Details the emotional and psychological impact that are experienced by CVI workers in the aftermath of homicides. Recommendations for enhancing community-led violence reduction efforts and ways CVI organizations can assist staff members impacted by homicide and improve organizational leadership are discussed.

Sub Unit

• Area VII. Non-Criminal Justice Responses to Crime & Delinquency / 58. Community Responses

Individual Presentations

• “You Never Know Who’s Gonna Be Next”: The Role of Community Violence Intervention Workers in Responding to Homicides and Survivor Support - Kathryn Bocanegra, University of Illinois Chicago; Nathan Aguilar, Columbia University

• Contextualizing community violence intervention workers’ perspective on policing within a broader public safety ecology. - Nathan Aguilar, Columbia University; Kathryn Bocanegra, University of Illinois Chicago

• Delivering Gang Intervention Services: An Examination of Community Violence Intervention Workers and Street Legitimacy - Jose Sanchez, Texas Christian University; David Pyrooz, University of Colorado Boulder