WASHINGTON – In an effort to address the spike in violent crime, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser introduced a new program Monday to steer around 200 people deemed “at risk of being involved with gun violence,” away from that path.
The Mayor’s new program is called “People of Promise Initiative.” It is supposed to target around 200 “at-risk” residents identified by the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (NICJR).
The plan is to connect those individuals with either someone from the city’s Department of Youth Services, Department of Parks and Recreation, or the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement. That “team” would then be assigned to a member of the Mayor’s cabinet. The goal is to make sure those individuals get the support they need, so they can break the cycle and not turn to gun violence.
David Muhammad with the NICJR told FOX 5 these individuals were actually part of an assessment done regarding D.C.’s gun violence and homicides. It’s the study the Mayor and the D.C. Police Chief have referenced to strengthen their argument that violent crime in the District is committed by a small group of individuals.
Muhammad told FOX 5 the report involved community members between the ages of 18 and 35, with the average age being 28-years-old. Muhammad said researchers analyzed “every single homicide over a two-year period and every individual non-fatal injury shooting incident over the course of a year.” It also included interviews with detectives assigned to the cases.
FOX 5 was told the review started with around 325 people, and ultimately was narrowed down to around 200 people. At the time of their selection, we’re told none of the individuals had been convicted of a homicide.
The Mayor’s announcement took place at “His and Hers” restaurant on Rhode Island Avenue NE. The owner of the business, Paul Weinstock, told FOX 5 he served around 23 years in prison for selling crack cocaine. Weinstock said he was able to open his restaurant after participating in a few other programs to help those re-entering in society. But not everyone in the city takes advantage of the government programs like Weinstock did. Read more at Fox 5.
Photo: Fox 5
