Though gun violence continues to dominate media coverage, Philadelphia has actually achieved a significant reduction in gun violence this year, according to the Civic Coalition to Save Lives.
- As of the end of September, homicides are down 18% in the city from this time last year
- Philadelphia is on pace to have less than 400 murders for the first time since the Covid pandemic
And while gun violence is slightly down throughout the country, few cities have experienced this level of reduction. Some cities have even seen large increases in murders this year, like Washington, DC and Memphis.
Why?
The Civic Coalition to Save Lives’ subject matter expert, David Muhammad, who, as part of the Coalition's partnership with the City has been providing technical assistance to the Police Department points to a combination of factors:
- Intervention-focused operations and initiatives
- Intentional investment in successful programs
- Greater coordination among City services, programs, law enforcement and community-based organizations, thanks in large part to the work of the Coalition and the collaboration with the City's Office of Violence Prevention
What’s working:
- The Philadelphia Police Department redesigned Operation Pinpoint and its weekly shooting reviews to direct resources and focused attention to the most violent areas of the city and the individuals most likely to be involved in gun violence
- Additional resources have helped lower caseloads for the city’s Group Violence Initiative (GVI) program has shown promise in reducing group member-involved shootings
- There has been greater investment in community-based organizations closest to people and neighborhoods being most impacted by gun violence
- Innovative city programs like P3, use a proven case management approach for those on a path to jail, the ER or death, including trauma-informed behavioral healthcare, credible messengers and mentors, and employment opportunities (Keep reading for information about a pilot program for stable housing).
From the Civic Coalition to Save Lives
