Oakland launches community-based violence prevention program

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Oakland community leaders have launched a new violence prevention initiative aimed at reducing gun violence by addressing conflicts before they escalate.

The program, led by Roots Community Health, centers on "peace committees" that rely on community members and trained, paid professionals to mediate disputes outside of the traditional criminal justice system.

"Instead of calling the police or getting the court system involved, you have trusted neighbors that you can actually rely on, to actually come in a work through some solutions," said Khariyyah Shabazz, Associate Director of Roots Community Health.

The initiative officially launched Saturday and is modeled after a similar approach used in South Africa during apartheid. Organizers say the program focuses on resolving interpersonal conflicts, which they identified as a major driver of violence.

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"When we decided to do this, we looked at the data. We saw, what was one of the main drivers for gun violence?. And folks leading to emotions, really being violent towards each other? It was inter-personal conflict," Shabazz said.

Under the model, residents can bring disputes to a peace committee made up of trained staff and community members, including behavioral health professionals. The committees aim to convene meetings within two weeks to help both sides work toward a resolution with community input.

"We know that it starts off with something small. It starts off with someone's music being too loud. It starts off with someone feeling disrespected by someone else, right," said Timothy Zenor-Davis, Program Manager at Roots Community Health.

Organizers say the effort is not designed to replace law enforcement but to serve as an additional tool for de-escalation and prevention.

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"When we are talking about a gathering, when we are looking at our ancestors, that is exactly how they solved their issues," Shabazz said.

The program began operating in December and has already resolved two conflicts, according to organizers. They say success will depend on community participation and trust.

"As folks learn more about it, as we build more trust around it, they will also adopt it into culture," Zenor-Davis said.

The peace committees are being introduced in two neighborhoods in East Oakland, with leaders expressing hope the model can expand as residents become more familiar with the approach.