NCJ Number
253538
Date Published
August 2019
Length
50 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings and methodology of an evaluation of the focused deterrence strategy known as the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) model within Newburgh, New York, with grant funding under the federal Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Abstract
Located just north of New York City, Newburgh is only 3.8 square miles in size, but was rated in the 2015 Uniform Crime Report as among the top 50 most violent U.S. jurisdictions with a population of over 10,000. The GVI model was introduced in Newburgh in 2015, with the goal of reducing violent and gun-related crime. The core approach of the GVI model is to engage in consistent, direct communication with potential violent offenders, either through group call-in meetings or one-on-one custom notifications. These outreach efforts toward individuals determined to be at high risk for violent behavior provided opportunities for law enforcement and community representatives to deliver anti-violence messages to gang-involved individuals currently under legal supervision. The messages generally included an explanation of why law enforcement is targeting the individual, the legal consequences if violence continues, and referrals to social services for those motivated to change their behaviors. During the period covered by the current evaluation (October 2010 through May 2017), four call-ins were held, reaching 33 attendees. An additional 36 individuals were contacted through custom notifications. The evaluation involved an interrupted time series analysis to test the impact of the GVI model on violence rates in Newburgh. Monthly trends in violent crimes and monthly trends in violent gun crimes were measured with publicly available data derived from the FBI's Uniform Crime Report and the New York State Incident-Based Reporting Program. Overall, the evaluation findings suggest that the GVI model may have reduced violent crime in Newburgh. 11 tables, 2 figures, 20 references, and appended evaluation materials