Poll #1: Do you look at all of the articles in the STOP the Violence Newsletter?
Yes
No
May 25, 2022
STOP the Violence
News & Updates
The City of Pittsburgh STOP the Violence Office exists to change the community narrative about violence and stop the spread of the disease of violence in the City. While we are concerned as well with the surrounding areas and will share solutions and events in those areas, we only have jurisdiction in the City. We would be pleased to share our knowledge and strategies with any jurisdiction outside of the City.

Table of Contents

  • Solutions: Summer Jobs For Youth
  • Solutions: StopTheViolence@PittsburghPA.Gov
  • Did You Know: Pittsburgh Police Release 2021 Annual Statistical Report
  • Solutions Follow-Up: Homewood Safer Firearm Storage Event
  • Archive: Mayor Ed Gainey-"We CAN change this culture"
  • Archive: Mayor Ed Gainey-"YOU are the answer"
  • Archive: Mayor Ed Gainey-"We want ZERO gun violence"
  • Something You Can Do: Pray for Peace and Against Violence
  • Training: Group Violence Intervention; Gun Violence and Public Health Webinar Series; Conflict Resolution Training and More
  • Facts and Stats: From April 2022
  • Tips for You
  • Coming Events: Get Ready For National Night Out!
  • Community Resources

Please complete the 7 polls in this Newsletter.

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If you're interested in helping STOP the violence, please send us an email by clicking HERE.

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STOP The Violence Newsletter
Solutions:
Poll #2: Do you know anyone between ages 14-21 who needs a summer job?
Yes
No
Solutions:
 
 
Are you aware of a NON-EMERGENCY situation that has the potential to turn violent but doesn’t yet need police attention? This could include a dispute, feud, insult, social media post, party, sporting event, fight being planned or even a rumor. It could involve school students or adults of any age, men or women. 

If you are, please contact the City of Pittsburgh's STOP the Violence Office using email address: StopTheViolence@PittsburghPA.Gov
Jay Gilmer
STOP the Violence Coordinator
"I think our expert outreach team, contracted through Center that Cares, has the ability to intervene in almost any situation if we have some notice. I encourage school personnel, sports team coaches, pastors, neighbors, and concerned community members to look out for the people they care about and report anything or anyone that could turn violent" said Jay Gilmer, the Department of Public Safety's STOP the Violence Coordinator. 

"Our goal is to resolve situations before violence occurs and police are necessary," .
If you know someone who needs a bit of help to avoid getting involved in activities that could lead to violence and someone becoming a statistic, please let us know. Help might include advice, family assistance, recovery, support from peers, or even a place to go. 
According to Reverend Cornell Jones, Director of Outreach for the City of Pittsburgh, "this information sharing email address is to enable us to know how to best use our outreach resources to prevent or interrupt violence. If we know about a situation or event with enough notice, our presence might be able to prevent something without anyone getting hurt or arrested. We want to see situations resolved before they escalate and result in someone getting hurt or going to jail."
Reverend Cornell Jones
Director of Outreach
When you send the email, please leave a few details and the neighborhood you are writing from. You will receive an initial response within 2 business days. 

The City of Pittsburgh STOP the Violence Office has access to many resources and partner organizations who would be pleased to help you or your friend. The STOP the Violence Office is part of the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety but is not the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. 
THIS EMAIL ADDRESS IS NOT AN EMERGENCY HOTLINE
AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR CALLIING 911 OR 311    

IF VIOLENCE IS READY TO BREAK OUT, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!
Poll #3: If necessary, would you make a report to StopTheViolence@PittsburghPA.Gov?
Yes
No
Did You Know:
Pittsburgh Police Release 2021 Annual Statistical Report

If you really want to know what your Pittsburgh Police were doing in 2021, see the 21021 Annual Statistical Report which was released on May 11. The 131 page report covers everything from neighborhood crime and arrest statistics to personnel distribution and disciplinary actions.

The Press Release stated:

The Bureau takes pride in its accomplishments, constantly striving for improvement and innovation. The Annual Report is an opportunity to share with the City of Pittsburgh a comprehensive overview of the work performed by the Bureau’s zone officers and specialty units, as well as a detailed statistical analysis of everything from calls for service and homicide analysis, to arrests and disciplinary action.

However, this report is more than graphs, tables, and numbers. It represents people and communities who deserve safe and secure streets and homes. The report also highlights the ongoing community engagement efforts by all of our officers in order to build trust and relationships in the neighborhoods in which we serve.

“Appointed with this valuable statistical information, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police strives to move through 2022 with a renewed and conscious commitment to continue building on our successes but, more importantly, learning from and improving in the areas that are calling out for more attention and care,” said Police Chief Scott Schubert.

“The PBP Annual Report is a reflection of our commitment to transparency and our Crime Analysis Unit works meticulously throughout the year to provide the most comprehensive report of its kind in Western Pennsylvania,” says Commander Eric Holmes, head of the Crime Analysis Unit.

Poll #4: Is the Police Annual Statistical Report of interest to you?
Yes
No
Solutions Follow-Up:

Safer Firearm Storage Events

Preventing gun accidents, suicides & gun thefts
Showing off new gun safes
In the April STOP the Violence Newsletter you read about the very successful Safer Firearm Storage Event held in Homewood and sponsored by Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the Zone 5 Public Safety Council, the University of Pittsburgh's Community Engagement Center, and the Equitrans Midstream Foundation.
As a result of the article, many groups have stepped forward to offer to host or support Safer Firearm Storage Events. The main obstacle to the next event is additional funding.

If you’re interested in donating for future events or for information on other gun safety programs at Children’s Hospital, just call or email Christine Vitale, Manager of the Injury Prevention Program for Children’s Hospital at 412-692-8229 or Christine.Vitale@chp.edu.  
Christine Vitale, MSN, RN
Archive:
Mayor Ed Gainey

"Reach out to us. We will try to connect you with every resource we've got."
Mayor Gainey continued his efforts to change the culture of violence at a community clean-up event in Homewood on Saturday, April 23, 2022 on Frankstown Avenue in front of House of Manna Faith Community. Here are excerpts of the Mayor’s talk: 
 
"We want to eliminate gun violence in the city. And that starts with all of us. We can’t do it without you. I want to thank the community, because we’ve got more people to come forward and report things than ever before. 
"If you have an issue with kids in your neighborhood or your own kid, reach out to us. We will try to connect you with every resource we’ve got. We are all in. 
 
"We know what’s going on in these streets, whispering what’s going on. Talking about what’s going on. In order to change this culture, it takes all of us."

You can see the Mayor’s entire talk here: 
Archive:
Mayor Ed Gainey


"We want zero gun violence"

Mayor Gainey again spoke eloquently and prophetically at the March 22, 2022 Homewood Community Meeting organized by the Mayor's Office and held at the Community Empowerment Association.

Before a packed auditorium, Mayor Gainey stated that "We want zero gun violence".
Realizing that many in the audience might be skeptical of such a lofty goal, the Mayor continued by saying: "Some people will say that's unrealistic. But I say, is trying unrealistic? If the ancestors didn't try ... So do you still think it's unrealistic? Then let's go get it!"

To see Mayor Gainey's entire 12 minute speech, please click on the box below. The entire meeting video is over an hour; however, Mayor Gainey mentions the zero violence goal around minute 15 (unfortunately, the sound quality is sometimes poor).


Archive: Mayor Ed Gainey

"YOU are the answer"


Mayor Gainey spoke at a February 11, 2021 Stop the Violence Prayer Vigil and Rally organized by the South Pittsburgh Coalition for Peace. The Mayor made a few key points:
Mayor Ed Gainey
"There’s nobody coming in our neighborhoods to stop the violence except for the ones who live in the neighborhood.

"If you want to stop this killing, don’t look around, look inside.

"Until we adults get off social media arguing and fighting with one another like they’re 10 or 11 years old, but in the next sentence saying ‘we need peace’. Now how are you saying ‘we need peace’ while you’re on social media talking violence? 

"We’ve got to change our ways. How are we going to save us when you hide in the silence? Somebody knows what’s happening in these killings. We look downtown to police to solve it, but we won’t cooperate.  It’s time for us to step up. 

If you’d like to hear Mayor Gainey's entire talk, just click on the picture below.



Something You Can Do:

Pray For Peace and Against Violence

Anyone can pray for peace and against violence either alone or as part of the STOP the Violence Prayer Team. If prayer is important to you, please pray whenever and wherever possible against violence.
According to Pastor Paul Roberts of Eastminster Presbyterian Church in East Liberty, regular praying "keeps peace in the mind and heart of out community. It causes us to discuss and ask questions like what should we be doing."
If you, your pastor or spiritual leader or your place of worship or church sign up for the non-denominational prayer team, you will receive periodic prayer request emails and notices about faith-based initiatives to prevent violence and increase peace in our community. You can sign up HERE.
Training:
Group Violence Intervention +
Pittsburgh's Group Violence Intervention initiative (GVI) is a proven strategy to reduce shootings and homicides in urban neighborhoods by using a multi-aspect strategy:

  • informed street outreach and social services to prevent violence,
  • involved community members reinforcing community norms rejecting violence; and
  • law enforcement in partnership with the community when other means are not effective.

For additional information on GVI, including its history and rationale, see this hour-long webinar from Mayors Against Illegal Guns entitled Re-imagining Public Safety: Group Violence Intervention and Intimate Partner Intervention: Webinar. The password is: MAIGUn1versity!

Pittsburgh’s Group Violence Intervention (GVI) violence prevention strategy, including the complete logic model, was featured in the October 2021 STOP the Violence Newsletter which can be accessed HERE.

Support and outreach for GVI are coordinated by Rev. Cornell Jones, Director of Outreach who can be contacted at cornell.jones@pittsburghpa.gov.
GVI Support & Outreach:

Pittsburgh’s Public Health Approach to Violence Prevention-Part 1 was featured in the August 2021 STOP the Violence Newsletter which can be accessed HERE. Part 2, including GVI and its complete logic model, was featured in the October 2021 Newsletter and can be accessed HERE.

How does support and outreach work?
 
Recent research on GVI’s support and outreach component was released this month by the National Network for Safe Communities (NNSC). The report explains that in GVI, traditional “social services'' are replaced with a structure “tailored to members of the special core street population, their situation, and their needs.” This is done because “many GVI clients are not ready for traditional social services like remedial education and employment training … these clients instead receive ‘support and outreach.’ Support is defined as ‘providing centralized and accessible services for people at high risk of violence.’” Outreach is defined as ‘’making deliberate, persistent, and consistent connections to people involved in violence to foster new relationships and build community.”


Support and Outreach Best Practices
NNSC’s research from around the country has shown that effective outreach and support includes these best practices:

  • The Goal: Staying alive and out of prison.
  • Actually reach out.
  • Protect from risk.
  • Address trauma. 
  • Provide critical resources. 
  •  Support the whole family. 
  • Connect to traditional services. 

For the entire report on Support and Outreach, click HERE.

How you can help
Community efforts to compliment the GVI strategy are encouraged. Rev. Jones states: “Other community members, businesses and ministries can help too, even if they don’t have the skills to be an outreach worker, they can help us by sharing resources that can be directed towards the vulnerable population. We need everything that community members need in order to be successful from food to employment to fatherhood and motherhood support.” To get involved, please send an email to the STOP the Violence Office by clicking HERE.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Atlanta City Council President Felicia Moore and Seattle Council President Lorena Gonzalez headed the list of speakers in a ten hour webinar on August 18 and 19, 2021 organized by the Center on Media, Crime and Justice at John Jay College to help journalists and the public gain greater understanding on efforts to address the rising levels of gun violence in at-risk communities.
The series focused on prevention and intervention strategies. Leaders of community intervention strategies and programs in Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia and Sacramento discussed what is and isn’t working in their cities. Pittsburgh’s efforts compare quite favorably with these efforts. 

The webinar consists of seven sessions, each lasting from 30 to 90 minutes. A table of contents is available so you can watch a particular session. Please take a look HERE.
Conflict Resolution Training

If you would like more information on violence prevention and some suggestions on ways to be involved with anti-violence activities, please click on and watch the two-hour training video to the right. This training was conducted in January 2021.

Our outreach teams include violence interrupters, but there are lots of other roles to play. After viewing the training video, please let us know your thoughts and how you'd like to be involved!
Webinar: Mind Always Matters

For more on grief support and mental health, see: Mind Always Matters, a POISE Foundation Community Conversation recorded November 18, 2021 with Jessica Gurley, LCSW and Julius Boatwright, LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker).  This 75 minute discussion can be found HERE.
Webinar: How to Heal After a Homicide

For an insightful discussion on healing from trauma and access to resources necessary to heal after a loss, experts Dr. Toya Jones (Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work) and Valerie Dixon (Director of Family and Community Support for the Center for Victims) see the recorded video: How to Heal After a Homicide. This 37 minute video was recorded in January 2022.

Just click below to see the video:

Facts & Stats:

From April 2022

Below are selected crime statistics from the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. These statistics are from the period January 1 to April 30, 2022. These only cover the City, not any areas of Allegheny County which are outside of the City. A few notes can be found after the charts.
City of Pittsburgh Police Zones:
IMPORTANT:

The Non-fatal shooting incidents reported above includes only incidents, it is not a count of victims. In April, one incident in Zone 1 had a total of 13 non-fatal victims (in addition to 2 people killed).

___________________________________


A few statistics of note:

  • The total number of homicides through April 2022 is the same as the number through April 2021.
  • The total number of non-fatal shooting incidents through April decreased from 45 in 2021 to 43 in 2022.
  • 16 non-fatal shooting incidents in April is less than the 19 in 2021.
  • There were no homicides in police zones 4, 5 or 6 in April.
  • The most homicides in April 2022 were in zone 1 (3 homicides).
  • The most non-fatal shooting incidents in 2022 have been in zone 1.

Using a public health approach to violence prevention means attempting to understand the proximate and secondary causes of violence and tailoring solutions to fit the impacted population. There is no one answer.

If you are interested in working to change these statistics and increase the peace in the City of Pittsburgh, please click HERE to contact the STOP the Violence Office.

What will you do to help?
Poll #5: Would you like additional crime statistics?
Yes (If you'd like, please send an email stating what stats you'd like to see.)
No


Tips for You:


#1: Parents:
Know when to say "No"

Many parents whose children wanted to attend a party on the Northside in April were stopped from attending by their parent. Reasons vary: time of night, neighborhood, anticipated guests, bad feeling. Whatever the reason, those parents and children don't regret that decision today.

That party at a rented Airbnb resulted in 2 teenagers killed, 13 wounded, and countless attendees, parents, community members and friends traumatized.

Do you know what to look for, the questions to ask, and when to say "no"?

Anyone in need of grief or trauma support should seek out one of the services listed below under Community Resources.



#2: Get Involved in Your Public Safety Council

Your zone's Public Safety Council is a place to go to stay aware of important developments relating to public safety in your police zone. It's also a great place to get to know your local police on a personal basis.

Public Safety Councils are run by residents and are open to all.

The usual meeting schedule is:







For connecting or other information, click on the zone to send an email to the appropriate SaferTogether Coordinator.


Call Us If You Become Aware of a Dispute

If you hear of a school, social media or community dispute that needs to be defused before it leads to violence, please let us know. We would like to take positive steps to resolve such disputes before law enforcement must be called.

Please report any such disputes or issues to: STOP the Violence Office or text to 412-522-7286.

Domestic Violence Help:

Violence is not an acceptable method to resolve issues between friends or partners. If there are threats, please seek help!

When in danger, call 911 immediately.

Some other resources are in the Domestic Violence Resource Guide is reproduced below and can be accessed HERE.
April Poll Responses

Poll #1:
How many times do you look at a typical issue of the STOP the Violence Newsletter?

  • Once 45%
  • 2 to 5 times 50%
  • More than 5 times 6%

Poll #2:
Do you think the gun safe event will prevent violence?
  • Absolutely 24%
  • Maybe 70%
  • No way 6%

Poll #3:
Would your group consider hosting a similar safe firearm storage event?

  • Yes 34%
  • Perhaps 22%
  • No 44%

Poll #4:
Is the StopTheViolence@PittsburghPA.gov email address a good idea?

  • Yes 100%
  • No 0%

Poll #5:
Is Mayor Gainey right to keep speaking out about violence?

  • Yes 95%
  • No 5%

Poll #6:
Are the comments on the month's statistics useful for you?

  • Yes 90%
  • No 10%

Poll #7:
Have you ever shared an issue of the STOP the Violence Newsletter with anyone?

  • Yes 79%
  • No 21%


Thank you for responding.

How will you help?

Do You Have Any Ideas?

The Stop the Violence Newsletter is produced monthly by Jay Gilmer, Coordinator of the STOP the Violence Office of the City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety.

Please send any ideas, notices or suggestions to: STOP the Violence Office.
Coming Events

If you want to receive periodic event announcements or are aware of an anti-violence event that is open to the public, please click HERE to send us a notice or announcement. Thank you.
Poll #6: Would you like to receive periodic STOP the Violence Events Updates by email?
Yes, please add me to that mailing list
Not at this time
Liz Style
President
Zone 3 Public Safety Council
Zone 3 Public Safety Council

Thursday May 26, 2022
(and every 4th Thursday)
6:00 pm

100% Virtual

To connect click HERE
Zone 1 - Northside Public Safety Council

Thursday June 2, 2022
(and every 1st Thursday)
5:30 pm

In-Person
at Propel Northside -
1805 Buena Vista Street, Pittsburgh 15202

& Virtual
To request virtual connecting info, send an email HERE
Zone 6 (West End Area) ONLY:
Community Resources

If you are aware of an resource that can contribute to violence prevention or reducing the impact of violence, please click HERE to send us a notice or announcement. Thank you.

1-412-330-4328

Offering world-renowned expertise in evaluating and treating children who have experienced traumatic life events or live with post-traumatic stress disorder. A program of Allegheny Health Network.
Center for Victims
Hotline: 1-866-644-2882

Caring, professional staff is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week to respond to emergency needs of crime victims and witnesses, answer questions, and provide support. You can also call:

Valerie Dixon at the Center for Victims at 1-412-403-0194 or vdixon@venterforvictims.org.

Darnell Drewery at the Center for Victims at 1-412-758-9237 or ddrewery@centerforvictims.org.
412-661-2802

A Federally Qualified Health Care Center providing a full range of medical, dental, pediatric, prenatal, and behavioral health services including staff therapists and workforce development.  Locations in East Liberty, Lincoln-Lemington and Wilkinsburg. Even if you don’t have insurance, please come.

540 Suismon Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Offering a variety of programs to prevent incarceration, chaplaincy and pre-release to serve individuals in Allegheny County Jail and aftercare to prevent recidivism. For information on their support community for reentering citizens, their families and community members, send an email HERE.

Please call if you need help or want to help:

Adult or Youth Diversion: 412-321-3343
Allegheny County Jail Chaplaincy: 412-350-2057
Allegheny County Jail Pre-Release: 412-350-1322
Jail or Prison Aftercare: 412-321-3343

GriefShare

Numerous Locations
in Allegheny County

GriefShare is for people grieving the death of a family member or friend. GriefShare groups meet weekly to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. Each GriefShare session has three distinct elements: a video lesson, in-person group discussion, and personal reflection.

This weekly group is free (just purchase the workbook online), open to anyone, and is offered in numerous locations in western Pennsylvania. The 13 week series features a video and optional discussion. To be part of the next series starting in early 2022, just find a location and sign up on the website at www.griefshare.org.
Highmark Caring Place

620 Stanwix Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
888-224-4673

As a peer support program, the Caring Place provides an environment where children, teens and adults can receive support from others their own ages who are going through very similar experiences, such as the loss of a parent or other loved one.
Jeremiah’s Place

6435 Frankstown Avenue
15206 (Larimer)
412-924-0726

Pittsburgh’s only crisis nursery. It provides emergency child care services for children ages 0-6 for a few hours or days based on the needs of each individual family. All services provided are free, available for 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
Melanin Mommies

Latrice “Phoenix” Rose started Melanin Mommies after watching how social media rallied around George Floyd, but no one mentioned his family members, who were also affected by grief and trauma. After doing a survey of families who lost someone, she realized that mental health services weren’t always offered to them. Even for those few families that received some counseling resources, they needed more for their families and children because the grief didn’t stop.

Do you need help coping with your loss? Is your child struggling to cope with the loss of a parent or sibling? Please sign up for the next Melanin Mommies Mental Healing Cohort which starts in February 2022. It will meet for 12 weeks every Saturday at 10:30 am. For more information, see the Melanin Mommies Facebook page or contact Latrice Rose at at Info@melaninmommiespgh.org.
Men’s Huddle Group
 
Paul B. Jones, Sr. experienced the death of his 19 year old son Jeremiah in 2017. He formed The Men’s Huddle Group as a support group for fathers who have lost children to gun violence and otherwise.

The Men’s Huddle Group meets the fourth Thursday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in East Liberty (250 Highland Avenue, 15206 – across from Home Depot).
 
For additional information, contact Paul Jones via email at jonzboyz@aol.com or call anytime (24/7) at 412-613-1912.
The MOMS Group
Support For Mothers

Tina Ford of Clairton formed Mothers of Murdered Sons (The MOMS Group) after the loss of her son in 2019.

The MOMS Group meets in Clairton on the third Saturday of each month. All are welcome, just call Tina in advance for the location. If transportation is a problem, just call Tina – MOMS sometimes arranges transportation or makes home visits to provide support.
 
For more information, see the MOMS Group Facebook page HERE or contact Tina Ford at 412-219-7157 or Momsgroup2020@gmail.com..
412-261-1234
 
The Trauma Response Team cares for the acute needs of family and friends of homicide victims of gun violence across all of Allegheny County.

Dan Emerick, MDiv, MSW – Trauma Response Team Manager
Other:

  • Alma Illery Medical Center’s Behavioral Health Services Office:
412-244-4700
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s 24 hour Helpline:
1-800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741
  • City of Pittsburgh Dept. of Public Safety’s Victims of Crime Office:
412-707-2988
  • Dr. Staci Ford: 412-277-4616
  • Jessica Gurley, LCSW: (412) 204-6934
  •  RESOLVE Crisis Center - 24 hours: 1-888-796-8226
Teen Dating Violence

Since one in three teens is a victim of teen dating violence, you probably know someone who has been a victim.

Click HERE for resources on teen dating violence. Click on the picture for a Teen Dating Violence Action Action Guide.
Poll #7: Do you know any police officers personally?
Yes
No
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