Together We Rise: Public Safety Initiative

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Montgomery's "Together We Rise": A Comprehensive Approach to Public Safety

The "Together We Rise" Public Safety Initiative is a comprehensive plan designed to address the issue of violence in Montgomery, Alabama. It builds on existing efforts and introduces new strategies to foster a safer and more resilient community. This webpage provides an overview of the initiative, its key components, and the role of the Community Violence Intervention Program (CVIP) within this broader framework.

'Together We Rise' is more than a slogan—it’s a call to action. Public safety is a shared responsibility, and by working together—city officials, community organizations, faith leaders, and residents—we can build a safer, stronger Montgomery. It means investing in our youth, empowering them with opportunities, and ensuring they grow up in a city free from violence. Let’s rise together to create the community we all deserve.
Mayor Steven L. Reed, January 28, 2024

"Together We Rise" Framework

"Together We Rise" is grounded in the belief that public safety is a shared responsibility. It prioritizes collaboration between city departments, community organizations, and residents, recognizing that by working together, we can achieve more than we can alone. The initiative focuses on several key areas:

Community Engagement: Building trust and collaboration with residents through neighborhood initiatives, community forums, and public outreach.
Violence Prevention: Implementing evidence-based programs to address the root causes of violence, such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and mental health issues.
Data-Driven Approach: Using data to identify trends, hotspots, and risk factors to inform targeted interventions.
Police Reform: Promoting transparency, accountability, and community-oriented policing practices.

Community Violence Intervention Program (CVIP)

The Community Violence Intervention Program (CVIP) is a key initiative under the "Together We Rise" public safety plan. It's designed to address the root causes of violence in our community through a comprehensive, collaborative, and evidence-based approach.

How CVIP Works
Key Components
Goals

Community-Based: CVIP focuses on building trust and working directly with individuals and communities most affected by violence.

Intervention and Prevention: The program combines strategies to interrupt cycles of violence, prevent retaliation, and address the underlying factors that contribute to violence.

Collaboration: CVIP brings together a diverse network of partners, including community organizations, faith leaders, law enforcement, and social service providers, to create a coordinated response.

Data-Driven: The program utilizes data to identify trends, target interventions, and track progress towards reducing violence.

Together We Rise: Collaborative Initiatives

Central Alabama Crime Stoppers (CACS)

CACS is a vital partner in community engagement and crime prevention. They work to enhance communication with residents, empower neighborhood associations, and provide education and resources on crime prevention strategies. CACS also plays a role in organizing gun buyback events and supporting youth programs.

Key Roles:

Training
Technical Assistance
Program Design

Key Tasks:

Establishing a Community Safety Task Force
Developing and implementing a community safety plan
Launching multilingual public information campaigns
Empowering neighborhood associations and block captains
Organizing gun buyback events
Providing youth opportunities and support

Specific tasks include:

Establish a Community Safety Task Force
Develop and implement a community safety plan
Launch multilingual public information campaigns
Empower neighborhood associations and block captains
Provide training on neighborhood watch, conflict resolution, and community organizing
Organize gun buyback events
Provide youth opportunities and support
Re-establish MOM’s Demand Action
Conduct community education and awareness activities
Collaborate with the Department of Youth Services (DYS) on re-entry programs and support services

Live Free USA

Live Free USA is a national organization providing training and technical assistance to the CVIP. They work closely with the OVP and FGC to ensure the program adheres to best practices. Live Free USA conducts training for frontline staff, program managers, and provides ongoing coaching support.

Key Roles:

Training
Technical Assistance
Program Design

Key Tasks:

Conducting pre-assessment and providing pre-implementation support
Providing violence intervention training
Developing and providing a training manual
Conducting follow-up assessment visits and booster trainings
Providing ongoing coaching support to program staff

Specific tasks include:

Conduct pre-assessment and provide pre-implementation support
Analyze violence problem and community landscape
Assist with recruiting and vetting program staff
Help plan staff onboarding and develop management systems
Provide guidance on community education and engagement
Provide violence intervention training for frontline staff and management
Develop and provide a training manual
Conduct follow-up assessment visits and booster trainings
Provide ongoing coaching support to program staff

Office of Violence Prevention (OVP)

The OVP serves as the central hub for the CVIP, coordinating efforts, analyzing data, and fostering communication among partners. The OVP plays a crucial role in program implementation, community education, and ensuring the initiative's long-term sustainability.

Key Roles:

Central Hub
Collaboration & Oversight
Program Implementation
Data Analysis
Community Education

Key Tasks:

Managing contracts with partner organizations
Collecting and analyzing data to inform interventions
Educating the community about CVI
Collaborating with law enforcement
Developing sustainability strategies

Specific tasks include:

Manage contracts with partner organizations
Collect, analyze, and share law enforcement data
Educate the community about CVI
Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness
Collaborate with law enforcement
Develop sustainability strategies
Support the Faith-Based Violence Prevention Advisory Council
Provide resources and support for faith-based initiatives
Collaborate with faith leaders on youth and family programs
Support community-building efforts
Collect data on faith-based initiatives
Connect faith-based organizations with city resources
Partner with faith leaders on communication efforts

Family Guidance Center (FGC)

The FGC is the fiscal agent for the CVIP, responsible for managing program finances, ensuring compliance, and overseeing the efficient use of funds. The FGC also plays a key role in street outreach, case management, and connecting individuals with wraparound services.

Key Roles:

Program Administration
Street Outreach
Case Management
Reporting and Monitoring

Key Tasks:

Managing program finances and ensuring compliance
Designing and implementing the CVIP
Deploying violence interventionists
Providing case management services
Referring individuals to partner organizations for wraparound services

Specific tasks include:

Manage program finances and ensure compliance
Manage payroll and HR for CVIP staff
Administer contracts and grants
Process vendor payments and manage procurement
Design, implement, and oversee the CVIP
Appoint a CVI Program Director and hire staff
Ensure CVIP staff receive training and coaching
Coordinate with Live Free USA and OVP
Deploy violence interventionists
Identify and build relationships with at-risk individuals
Conduct conflict mediation and de-escalation
Connect individuals to wraparound services
Provide case management services
Refer individuals to partner organizations for wraparound services
Provide quarterly and annual reports to the City
Maintain records and documentation

Learn more about our partner organizations:

We are committed to a holistic, compassionate, and data-driven approach that addresses the complex needs of our community.

Join us in building a healthier, safer Montgomery for all!

City of Montgomery, AL

Summary

Implementation Plan

A Faith-Based Initiative

Advisory Council

Together We Rise: Collaborative Initiatives

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