Harrisburg launches initiative to combat group violence

The Harrisburg City Council has approved Resolution 632024, authorizing a two-year professional services agreement with the Research Foundation of the City University of New York, representing the National Network for Safe Communities (NNSC). This initiative aims to bolster the city’s group violence intervention program through expert consulting and training services.

Deputy Chief Young provided an overview of the resolution, emphasizing its goal to reduce violence in Harrisburg. The contract, valued at $165,000, will be funded by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). NNSC, recognized as a leader in group violence intervention, will assist the city in implementing a comprehensive strategy designed to enhance collaboration among local partners, deliver anti-violence messaging, and ensure accountability in the program's execution.

The agreement includes regular virtual sessions for strategic guidance, with an initial bi-weekly schedule transitioning to monthly meetings in the second year. NNSC will also facilitate quarterly conferences with executive members to assess progress and refine goals. Additionally, the organization will provide tailored training modules and project management tools to support local trainers and enhance the effectiveness of the intervention strategy.

The fee structure for the contract includes an initial payment of $50,000, followed by subsequent payments of $23,000 at specified intervals over the contract's duration. This partnership is expected to significantly contribute to the city's efforts in addressing and mitigating violence through structured intervention strategies.