The Metro: ShotStopper program creating community change in Detroit

For a long time, Detroit has had a bad rap for being a violent place.  

The homicide rate peaked in the mid ’70s at about 700. But it’s been falling ever since, with that number recently landing at about 250 last year.  

There are many factors for the drop. For one, Detroit’s population declined a lot in the last five decades. But the city also attributes the decline in violence to its neighborhood programs, like Shotstopper.

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Launched in August 2023, two partnering ShotStopper groups have already seen success. Since that time, Force Detroit has achieved a 72% reduction in homicides and non-fatal shootings on Detroit’s west side, including the Warrendale and Franklin Park neighborhoods. 

What’s more, the partner, Detroit Friends and Family, reduced violence by 48% in east side neighborhoods like Outer-Drive Hayes.  

Public Health & Safety Director for Force Detroit Dujuan “Zoe” Kennedy and CEO of Detroit Friends and Family Ray Winans joined The Metro to discuss the ShotStopper program and how they’re working with the community.

ShotStopper is focused on community investment and community based intervention, Kennedy says. 

“And ShotStoppers is an initiative that has invested in the expertise of those from the community that practice this public health model towards violence, and those who are also credible, suitable and relevant in the community, as it relates to cycles of violence,” Kennedy said. 

All 66 ShotStopper groups developed their own plan and budget to stop violence in communities throughout Detroit, Winans says. 

“And so for us – Detroit, Friends and Family – what we decided to do was use more community engagement, hiring neighborhood vendors,” Winans said. “To Zoe’s point, right, folks that actually live in a community that has been there and seeing the highs and the lows of the community, but also respected in the community.

What’s making a long lasting impact is work being done across neighborhoods and in collaboration with other groups, Kennedy says. They’ve leaned on community influencers and leaders to make positive change. 

“So all we’re doing is really paying attention to our people and doing the same thing that our grandmothers, grandfathers did, and our uncles and aunties did,” Kennedy said.

Use the media player above to hear the full interview with Public Health & Safety Director for Force Detroit Dujuan “Zoe” Kennedy and CEO of Detroit Friends and Family Ray Winans.

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