Detroit's newest department is combatting violence with love

One of the most popular programs in the City of Detroit is community violence intervention. It’s a policy that tasks neighborhood residents with intervening in disputes to reduce gun violence and mitigate harm.  It’s attributed with helping to significantly reduce homicides — which continue to fall in Detroit.

Now, the city is trying to institutionalize community violence intervention work and programs like it with the creation of the Office of Neighborhood and Community Safety. What is the scope of the office’s responsibilities? And, how does it believe it can target and alleviate the roots of violence?

Teferi Brent is the office’s first director. He spoke with The Metro's Robyn Vincent.

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