Clean and Safe City Q&A - Violence Prevention

The Department of Violence Prevention (DVP) takes a public health approach to violence prevention. Our approach seeks to prevent and intervene in violence by considering its root causes and drivers. We know that we can reduce violence with interventions; and they must address thoughts, behaviors, and barriers. Violence prevention works by engaging those who are at the center of violence. We can reduce violence by enrolling them in needed services.

Ceasefire is a focused deterrence strategy to prevent and reduce gun violence. It is a proven, data-driven, and multi-sector approach; and it requires teamwork among the DVP, Oakland Police Department (OPD), prosecutors, and probation. DVP also collaborates with community and faith-based leaders. Ceasefire works by finding those at high risk of violence. It then engages them with either enforcement (OPD) or intensive services (DVP). The goals of the strategy are reduced recidivism, revictimization, and engagement in violence. Ceasefire was successfully implemented in Oakland in the past. Between 2012-2017, it led to over 40% reductions in gun violence. DVP has reimplemented the model this year. To date this year, we have experienced over 20% reductions in shootings and homicides.

Individuals self select into Ceasefire based on their involvement in and proximity to gang/group related gun violence.

The DVP’s priority violence reduction strategy is Ceasefire. The impacts of that strategy have been well documented by independent researchers in Oakland. From 2012 to 2017, the strategy led to over 40% reductions in gun violence.

The DVP also funds community groups to prevent and intervene in violence. It uses 4 strategies: the School Violence Intervention Program, Gender-Based Violence Intervention, Gun Violence Prevention and Intervention, and Community Healing. You can read more about the community-based organizations here. Past evaluations of the community-based organizations are here. Additionally, we are currently in the midst of an updated evaluation of their work. The Urban Institute is conducting the evaluation. It should be publicly available by late fall. 

Through the Ceasefire strategy, we are often working with victims of violent crime. Those caught in cycles of violence are at high risk. They may be perpetrators or victims of violence. Often our participants have already survived many incidents of violence. Often our participants have already survived many incidents of violence. Also, our community groups help crime victims and their families. We provide therapy, financial aid, help with systems, and healing events. You can see who they are here.

The Alameda County Department of Health recently launched its Office of Violence Prevention. The DVP has met with them to discuss future work. This includes collaborating on research to inform the field. It also includes convening service providers for capacity-building. You can read more about them here. 

The DVP is currently authorized for 55 positions. In the last budget cycle, the Mayor proposed a budget. The City Council voted to pass it. It included 5 new direct service positions for the DVP team. These positions are critical. They will help us put in place the Ceasefire gun violence strategy with full accuracy. Despite the new positions, the DVP needs more staff. We are exploring grants to fund growth. 

The DVP collaborates with and is committed to the community. We work with faith-based leaders, violence survivors, and community leaders using our Ceasefire strategy. The community demanded and organized for the strategy to be brought to Oakland.  

Community members now have a seat at the Ceasefire leadership table. Those community members organize marches and rallies, accompany City staff to engage those at highest risk of violence, and host call-ins. They also sit at the performance management review meetings.   

The DVP team is small and must maintain fidelity to the Ceasefire model and are busy with those at highest risk of gun violence. Our admin staff can answer questions from the community. Upon request, we attend community meetings and events. For inquiries please reach out to us here: 510-238-6385 or Oaklanddvp@oaklandca.gov