Finding Solutions to Rising Gun Violence
The causes of crime and violence are many and complex. But there are also many approaches to end this violence that do not rely on over-policing—like improving access to education, economic mobility, and quality housing.
Gun violence has been in the news and on the rise across the U.S. In 2020, incidents of shootings in New York were more than double the previous year. In 2021, there were even more—over 1,560. And in 2022, tragedies continue to make headlines, including the recent killing of two police officers and the devastating shooting of an 11-month old baby.
The causes of crime and violence are many and complex. But there are also many approaches to end this violence that do not rely on over-policing—like improving access to education, economic mobility, and quality housing. The Center for Court Innovation works closely with residents to create long-term, resident-led approaches to community safety.
We hire people with lived experience from the neighborhoods most affected by crime. Since 2014, Marisol Rivera has been working with Save Our Streets (S.O.S.) Bronx to prevent and respond to gun violence. She works with young people to promote behavioral change and emotional growth, helping make positive choices to ensure they avoid being the victim or perpetrator of a shooting.
Marisol is one of the Center’s Changemakers in Action, helping transform the justice system. She was recently featured on ABC News, explaining that crime prevention requires more than just punishment. "You can't tell a young person to put a gun down and don't replace it with a job, with a trade, or something they are interested in."
The Center for Court Innovation works in neighborhoods throughout New York City to promote safe, healthy, and vibrant communities. Guiding our work are principles that put people first, moving beyond simply creating a new program to giving residents a place at the table in shaping the policies that affect them.