The Metro: Detroit’s newest department aims to prevent violence by building peace
Detroit created the Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety in an effort to amplify the success of community violence intervention programs. Director Teferi Brent joins the show to talk about the new office’s responsibilities and goals to further reduce violence.
Teferi Brent is the first director of the Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety
One of the most popular programs in the City of Detroit is community violence intervention. It’s a policy that tasks neighborhood residents with intervening in disputes to reduce gun violence and mitigate harm. Many say it’s working.
That’s because it’s attributed with helping to significantly reduce homicides — which continue to fall in Detroit.
Now, the city is trying to institutionalize community violence intervention work and programs like it. That’s why Detroit created a new department: The Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety.
What is the scope of the office’s responsibilities? And, how does it believe it can target and alleviate the roots of violence?
Teferi Brent is the office’s first director. He spoke with The Metro’s Robyn Vincent.
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