It's called Group Violence Intervention. Family Resources and volunteers are key partners in the program. Since it launched last May, a team of a police officer, Family Resources employee, and volunteer has visited 84 people to listen and offer help. The people chosen were already involved in gun violence or victims of it.
Dwayne Hodges, a community volunteer from Davenport, says they're surprised when a team knocks on their front door.
"So can you imagine the impact you have when you talk to somebody that's gotten shot by someone and saying I don't want to live this life anymore? So these have been so impactful being able to stand with community services. This has been amazing being able to say, 'Hey you know what, we can help you. What can we do right now at this very moment? And if we can't do it now, what can we do later?'"
Davenport Police Chief, Jeff Bladel, says so far this year, there's been a 42% decrease in shots fired incidents compared to the same period in 2022. But the number of "non-fatal shootings" is about the same. (More statistics are featured below.)
"So we look at the non-fatal shootings incidents remain unchanged although they remain unchanged. There's 28 percent decrease in group violence, related non-fatal. So this goes back eight months prior to when they initiate a group violence intervention and then the eight months that we had within it."
Davenport's Group Violence Intervention teams need more community volunteers. Those interested can check the "volunteer portal" on Family Resources' website. Or call Family Resources at 563.326.6431 and ask about Group Violence Intervention.
Chief Bladel does not give Group Violence Intervention all the credit for the reduction in gun crime. But he says it's a very important tool in the department's strategy.
Besides providing people with community resources, the teams have also given them rides to the food pantry. And team members boarded up windows of a home where gunshots broke the glass. And a local hardware store donated the lumber.
Here's the presentation Chief Bladel presented during a press conference today.
