INDIANAPOLIS – The City of Indianapolis recently announced the hiring of 35 new peacemakers, who will lead Indianapolis’ grassroots gun violence reduction efforts over the next three years. This program is part a $150 million violence reduction plan and is made possible through federal American Rescue Plan pandemic relief funds.
Developed in partnership with the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (NICJR) and the Indy Public Safety Foundation (IPSF), Indianapolis’ gun violence reduction strategy focuses on those who are most at risk of being involved in violence. Peacemakers will work to first identify those high-risk individuals and then provide short- and long-term guidance to achieve employment, housing, mentorship, and other resources necessary to prevent an individual from becoming a victim or perpetrator of violence. Peacemakers will be contracted by both OPHS and IPSF.
The first 35 new peacemakers completed the first round of training this week and began work on Monday, Jan. 24. NICJR has committed to ongoing trainings throughout the year in order to maximize the reach of the program and make any necessary adjustments to community need. The remaining 15 individuals are expected to be hired soon.
Peacemakers are comprised of three different positions: interrupter, life coach, and outreach worker. All are required to be credible messengers, meaning they have connections and direct experience in the communities they serve. Each position works to prevent violence at different levels. Interrupters work to stop a conflict that has the potential to turn deadly immediately before or while a crime is happening, including retaliatory violence. Outreach workers assess whether an individuals’ risk factors — including employment status, age, education level, and prior criminal justice involvement — require more intense, personalized support. Those individuals are then referred to life coaches, who work with clients up to 18 months to develop a “Life Plan” away from violent crime.