This program utilizes targeted deterrence strategies to reduce or control gang violence.
The city of Oakland hired the California Partnership for Safe Communities (CPSC) to help devise an intervention capable of reducing gun violence. CPSC established a partnership with the Oakland Police Department (OPD) to understand the underlying nature of gun violence in the city. OPD leads an interagency group consisting of federal law enforcement and state and local criminal justice agencies.
The intervention carried out the following actions:
1) Informed that shootings would no longer be tolerated, and continued violence with firearms would receive special attention;
2) Notified gang members of the increased enforcement and sanctions that would be focused on them;
3) Offered services and opportunities for gang members who wanted to stop their violent behavior.
These direct messages were distributed to targeted gangs via personalized notifications to individual gang members on the street, in their homes, or during group “calls”, which are face-to-face meetings with law enforcement, social service providers and community representatives.