[Mpls] Violence prevention in Chicago and Minneapolis

[ArthurTHimmelman at aol.com]

Several weeks ago, I noted that a successful citywide partnership in  Chicago 
called CeaseFire merited attention from those working on violence  prevention 
efforts in Minneapolis (see _www.ceasefirechicago.com_ 
(http://www.ceasefirechicago.com) )  
 
On the Newshour with Jim Lehrer on Wednesday night (17 August) there was a  
segment on Chicago CeaseFire that can be viewed at 
_http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/law/july-dec05/chicago_8-17.html_ 
(http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/law/july-dec05/chicago_8-17.html)  
 
 
I also am pleased to report that council member Natalie Johnson Lee is  
assessing Chicago CeaseFire's possible usefulness for Minneapolis.

 
 
Chicago CeaseFire describes what it does as follows:
 
     
 (http://www.ceasefirechicago.com/index.html) 
  
 
CeaseFire is a partnership between  community-based organizations, residents, 
clergy, law enforcement,  business and civic leaders, and corporate and 
philanthropic organizations.  Together, these diverse groups focus on a single 
goal: to reduce violence  in all forms in targeted CeaseFire Zones within Chicago 
and other  communities in Illinois. 
CeaseFire: The Chicago Project forms  specific coalitions with local 
communities, clergy and law enforcement.  Here's how we work: 
• High-risk persons are identified and  notified that using guns is not 
tolerated, and alternative means of  resolving conflicts need to be found  
• Street-based outreach programs are  developed to help at-risk persons 
access jobs, GED, literacy programs,  safety, counseling, and provide 
individualized alternatives 
• Conflicts are prevented and  mediated 
• Safe havens and after-school programs  are made available 
• Materials are distributed throughout the  community notifying and 
constantly reminding high-risk individuals of  alternatives and risks 
• Pressure against illegal gun possession  and use is increased within the 
community and norms are changed about gun  use 
• All shootings within the community are  countered with rapid, coordinated, 
and sustained responses by the  residents, clergy and police 
• If needed, prosecutions and sentencings  are ensured by the State 
Attorney's Office and the U.S. Attorney's  Office

 
 
 
Arthur T. Himmelman
Loring Park