Law Enforcement Based Responses to Violence
Gun Violence Intervention Strategy
Always keep your promises. GVI/Ceasefire makes a series of promises to those at the highest risk for violence: Your life matters. We are here to help you, but if the shooting doesn’t end, we are here to stop you. Promises to assist participants must be kept with the prompt delivery of meaningful services and supports. Promises to hold participants accountable for further violence must be followed up with swift and certain sanctions. Effective management is essential to deliver on these commitments and maintain credibility.
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Illegal Gun Carrying
Do not allow impunity for gun offenses. The carrying of an illegal firearm is a serious offense and should be treated as such. That said, the justice system’s emphasis should be on delivering swift and certain sanctions, not necessarily severe ones. Impunity can be created at multiple stages, from arrest to prosecution to sentencing. Police must take care to respect rights and collect evidence, prosecutors must file appropriate charges without excessive plea bargaining, and, when people are convicted, judges must impose commensurate sentences.
