City cure violence groups raking in the bucks

The city of New York has been investing millions of dollars into non-profits that employ ex-cons to act as “violence interrupters” in an effort to reduce crime and address the root causes of violence. These Community Violence Intervention groups are part of the Crisis Management System, which has seen its budget grow exponentially over the past decade. While supporters claim that these groups have helped reduce shootings in the city, critics argue that they are not a substitute for the police force.

The workers in these groups are described as “trusted community members with first-hand experience in violence prevention,” but many of them have violent histories and are sent out to mediate conflicts between gangs they may have once been a part of. Councilwoman Joann Ariola has criticized the city’s investment in these programs, arguing that the money would be better spent on increasing the size of the police force.

One of the groups, Man Up!, based in Brooklyn, has received over $50 million in city contracts since 2010. Another group, Street Corner, has received more than $17 million in city contract work. Supporters of these organizations believe that they play a crucial role in conflict resolution and working with at-risk youth, but some law enforcement sources believe that they cannot replace the police in times of crisis.

Mayor Mamdani has campaigned on expanding the Crisis Management System even further through his Office of Community Safety, which was established with a $260 million budget. Mamdani has expressed support for a Cure Violence approach and has proposed increasing funding for the Crisis Management System by 275%.

While these non-profits have been credited with helping to reduce shootings in New York City, there is ongoing debate about their effectiveness and whether they can truly replace the role of law enforcement in maintaining public safety. As the city continues to invest in these programs, the question remains whether they are a sustainable solution to addressing crime and violence in urban communities.