Gang/Group Violence Initiative

Operation Ceasefire
Youth Homicides in Boston Declined 63% after Operation Ceasefire Began

Beginning in 1995 as the Boston Gun Project, and evolving into Operations Ceasefire, focused deterrence aimed at reducing gang violence took root. Violent gang members were targeted, delivered the message that violence would no longer be tolerated, and the message was enforced with a “pulling levers” approach. At the same time, gang members were offered assistance if they so chose to take it, but violence after the notification was met with an immediate and intense law enforcement response.

In the years precessing Operations Ceasefire, youth homicides in Boston had increased 230%, with an average of 44 youth homicides per year from 1991-1995. After implementation of Operations Ceasefire, there was 63% decrease in youth homicides and a 25% decrease in youth gun assaults.

NCSC
Reducing Group and Gang Violence

North Carolina Safe Communities (NCSC)

In North Carolina, ten sites were funded through the Governor’s Crime Commission to implement a group violence focused deterrence initiative with training and technical assistance provided by UNCG. Similar to PSN, NCSC sites used data to drive strategy, including the selection of crackdown groups, trigger incidents, and who to notify.