YORK, Pa. — As cities across the country look for ways to combat gun violence and violent crime, a community partnership in York may have cracked the code.
The York Group Violence Initiative (GVI) is a community partnership with law enforcement that combines community outreach, services and traditional policing to create a safe atmosphere where York residents find alternatives to a life on the street.
The group's work has been cited as a reason for the dramatic drop in York City's crime in 2023, which included a 75% reduction in the number of homicides, a 63% drop in the number of people struck by gunfire and a 50% decrease in shots fired incidents.
Tiff Lowe, the project manager of the GVI program, says she has built trust within the community by always being present.
"We put our boots on the ground, we got in the field," Lowe explained. "Once you get in the field, you understand what needs to be done. You cannot understand what needs to be done if you're sitting behind your desk."
The GVI program uses a three-pronged approach of community, services and traditional law enforcement to reach those seen as at risk of committing a crime.
The community aspect involves outreach such as the group’s “Stop That” walk in June, which aims to make children feel safer in their neighborhoods. Services include job corps, mental health initiatives and education such as new HACC scholarships for those impacted by gun violence.
All components of the program join each week in a practice called "Customs," where all three layers of GVI go to the homes of those involved in recent incidents; officials say it's a small way to let them know that help is available in the form of services.
The practice is seen as an alternative to simply arresting somebody who has not committed a violent crime, which Lowe affirmed would only continue the seemingly unending cycle.
"You cannot arrest your way out of this situation," Lowe said. "Say that he did get arrested, then what happens? He goes to jail, he comes home and then he's still going to do the same things. We're trying to save them."
Lowe says that around 90% of residents visited by GVI are receptive to its message, and around 85% are receptive to the services they offer. She says the message of positivity from the program helps residents feel comfortable around them.
"My community sees me in the streets," Lowe said. "My kids see me in the streets. I have conversations with them, not just about what they're doing wrong. Let's talk about what they're doing good."
The program is now seen as a model for other cities looking to implement similar programs. Harrisburg officials have cited York as a model for what that city looks to achieve in its newly created program.
Officials in other cities such as Nashville, TN and Pine Bluff, AR have visited York to learn more about its program. Lowe said her advice to those cities is to embrace their community, instead of shying away from it.
"Don't be afraid of your community," Lowe expressed. "Pour back into your community. Love your community, and even when your community gets dark with shootings and killings, look to each other for that light and bring that light back into your community. The light will always overshadow darkness."