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How do you stop the cycle of violence, crime, gang activity, and homicide among young people?
In the mid 1990s, Boston took an innovative approach to these serious problems, and achieved astonishing success. Their method, the Boston Strategy to Reduce Teen Violence, is the manual for communities struggling with similar issues.
In the summer of 2005, the City of Newburgh studied the Boston model, and similar programs in Rochester, N.Y. and High Point, N.C. which specifically addressed open-air drug dealing. From this, the Police Department, working together with the District Attorney's Office and representatives from the New York State Division for Criminal Justice, developed and initiated Operation Cease Fire here in Newburgh. The results are still being evaluated, but its initial success is encouraging. As a result of the operation, nearly a dozen young people have a chance at turning their lives around.
How does it work?
OCF is a collaboration between City government, police, law enforcement agencies, community service providers, clergy, and residents of neighborhoods affected by youth violence and open-air drug dealing.
In this approach, police work side by side with neighborhood residents who have a personal interest in resolving quality of life issues where they live. These residents also have compassion and concern for their youngsters.
"From the moment I heard about this method, I believed it was something we should try in the City of Newburgh," said City Manager Jean-Ann McGrane. "Traditional law enforcement operations, and sending our young people, particularly young men, to prison, haven't achieved the success we all want. With OCF, the community is an active partner in bringing about change at the neighborhood level. Also, our youth are given a second chance.
"OCF strikes a balance between utilizing the power of the heart of our community, and at the same time, lets young offenders know enough is enough," she concluded.
Police began Operation Cease Fire by identifying offenders and gathering information in a targeted area. More than 60 offenders were identified. Some of those who had multiple felonies or violent criminal behavior were targeted for immediate arrest, but of that group, 14 offenders were selected to receive the offer of a lifetime. Either change their ways, or face incarceration, possible injury, or death on the streets.
Members of the Operation Cease Fire teams visited the 14 candidates personally, along with people who care about them, to let them know how their behavior affects their family, their friends and their community. They also extended an invitation to a "Call-In" that took place last night.
Eleven out of the 14 showed up.
On hand along with police, District Attorney Frank Phillips, County Court Judge Stuart Rosenwasser, Greg Gaetano, Chief Criminal Investigator from the Orange County Sheriff's Office, other law enforcement personnel, and officials from the Newburgh Enlarged City School District, were staff from community service providers, community members and clergy.
"It was a one-stop shop approach," said McGrane. "The young people heard their options, and if they agreed to take this positive step, they were immediately connected with providers who could identify and begin steps to address what they needed, whether it was drug rehabilitation, or education and job training."
Police Chief Eric Paolilli added, "We have taken a much different approach to the problem of drug dealing here in Newburgh than we have ever taken before. Drawing on the experiences from other communities who have tried this strategy, we truly hope that we have found a tactic that will help solve this problem, and possibly save someone's life."
Mayor Nick Valentine commented, "This Operation Cease Fire has got to be the most creative crime initiative addressing young people in the City of Newburgh that the City has ever undertaken. I would like to personally thank the community organizations and people involved in law enforcement, from the City level to County and State level for making this pilot program a success. If we can curtail crime when a person is young, we have a better chance of having that person become a productive resident of our area."
While Operation Cease Fire is still in its early stages in the City of Newburgh, the teams are enthused by the initial response and anxious to continue. Other areas of the City will be targeted, and other young people will have the opportunity to make a life-altering decision.
For more information on the Boston Strategy, visit http://www.bostonstrategy.com.
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City of Newburgh
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