The city of Baltimore has made significant strides in reducing gun violence, and it's not just due to traditional policing methods. One of the key strategies has been enlisting the help of individuals who have personal experience with the criminal justice system. These individuals, often referred to as "trusted messengers, " have a unique understanding of the communities they serve and the challenges they face.

The Safe Streets Baltimore program is a prime example of this approach. Launched in 2007, the program employs individuals with criminal records to patrol high-risk areas and mediate conflicts. The idea is that these individuals have a rapport with the community and can offer support and resources in a way that traditional law enforcement cannot.  This is not a new idea.  Many cities across the United States have started to adopt this approach, with varying degrees of success.

Sean Wees is one of the individuals working with Safe Streets Baltimore. He grew up in Brooklyn, a neighborhood in south Baltimore, and has seen firsthand the devastating effects of gun violence. In 2015, his younger brother Nadeem was shot and killed, a tragic event that motivated Wees to get involved in the fight against gun violence.  He joined the program a few years after his brother's death, driven by a desire to make a difference in his community.

The program's success is evident in the numbers. In recent years, Brooklyn has gone a record 472 days without a single homicide. Across the city, gun deaths have dropped by 45% in the last six years. While these numbers are encouraging, Wees is hesitant to declare the program a complete success. He believes there is still much work to be done and that the program's impact is not yet fully realized.

The approach taken by Baltimore and other cities is a shift from traditional methods of combating gun violence. Instead of relying solely on law enforcement, these programs recognize the value of community involvement and the unique perspective that individuals with criminal records can bring.  This is not a new idea.  Many cities across the United States have started to adopt this approach, with varying degrees of success.  This is a public health approach.  It is a way of looking at crime as a disease that can be cured.

Critics may question the wisdom of hiring individuals with criminal records, but proponents argue that these individuals have a deep understanding of the issues at hand and are uniquely positioned to make a difference.  They are the ones who know the streets.  They are the ones who know the people.  They are the ones who can make a difference.  They are the ones who can help to reduce gun violence in their communities.  They are the ones who can help to make a difference.  They are the ones who can help to reduce gun violence in their communities.

The Power of Second Chances: Baltimore's Unique Approach to Fighting Gun Violence

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