Gang program expanded to Northside

As noted in the comments of another post Richmond is installing a Gang Reduction and Intervention Program on the Northside; the program has had some success on Richmond’s Southside and in Petersburg. The Office of the Attorney General’s site has some information on the current program: Primary Prevention: Targets the entire population in high-crime, high-risk communities. […]

July 21, 2009; 6:30 AM • by North Richmond News

As noted in the comments of another post Richmond is installing a Gang Reduction and Intervention Program on the Northside; the program has had some success on Richmond’s Southside and in Petersburg. The Office of the Attorney General’s site has some information on the current program:

• Primary Prevention: Targets the entire population in high-crime, high-risk communities. The key component is a one-stop resource center that facilitates effective distribution of health and support resources for youth and families.
• Secondary Prevention: Identifies young children, ages 7-14, at high-risk of becoming involved in gangs and juvenile delinquency. It involves schools, community-based organizations, and other community partners in providing age-appropriate services.
• Intervention: Targets active gang members and their close associates ages 10-24. It requires aggressive outreach, ongoing recruitment and careful planning and coordination of services. The primary goal is to provide youth with positive alternatives to the gang life.
• Reentry: Targets serious and gang-involved offenders who face multiple challenges to reentering their community. GRIP provides appropriate, individualized services and juvenile justice supervision to ensure a reduction in recidivism.
• Suppression: Gang leaders are targeted for aggressive suppression efforts. Enhanced sentences, federal charges, and vertical prosecution are used to effectively remove the most dangerous gang members from the community.

Interestingly, the program is funded by a federal grant. Communities also awarded this grant money: Milwaukee, WI; Los Angeles, CA; and North Miami Beach, FL.

Local coverage

From the RTD:

Various city, state and federal officials gathered at Trinity Baptist Church on Fendall Avenue this morning to announce they are extending the program to an area of North Richmond that includes Highland Park and Southern Barton Heights.

Reader Elizabeth asks:

According to the article linked above, these folks are looking for a physical space to house the program. I wonder if Norrell Annex might be a fit?

And a video from NBC12:

July 21, 2009 6:30 AM 0