Grand Rapids Seeks Proposals For Community-Led Violence Reduction Program

Press release from the City of Grand Rapids:

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – City Manager Mark Washington authorized the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability to issue a request for proposals (RFP) seeking a lead agency to implement a community-led evidence-based violence reduction and intervention program. The successful agency will partner with the City by coordinating and implementing a program based on Cure Violence, Operation Cease Fire, Advance Peace, NOLA For Life models or a model with similar methods and outcomes. The RFP seeks qualified applicants that embrace an evidence-based, community-centered approach to gun violence reduction and intervention, have strong community ties and the ability to attract and manage diverse funding sources.

The City of Grand Rapids has committed to an initial contribution of at least $75,000 annually for three years resulting in a total City investment of $225,000. The City anticipates that the successful implementation of this program will result in a significant decrease in violent incidents including, but not limited to homicides.

The Grand Rapids Office of Oversight and Accountability issued the RFP as Grand Rapids concludes one of its most challenging years related to gun violence. A year-to-date comparison of 2020 with 2019 reveals that the city has seen a 5.4% increase in robberies, a 7.5% increase in burglaries, a 21.7% increase in aggravated assaults, and a 92.9% increase in homicides.

“In our strategic plan, we commit to making Grand Rapids a place where all people ‘Feel Safe and Are Safe at All Times,’” said Brandon Davis, director of oversight and accountability. “An evidence-based violence reduction and intervention program will be an additional community safety strategy in helping us reach that goal.”

Davis said the RFP seeks applicants that have a demonstrated presence within Grand Rapids neighborhoods. The successful agency will utilize individuals that have influence with those at the highest risk of committing shootings or perpetuating other violent acts by building trusting relationships with the drivers of violence in the community, due to their own lived experiences. It will also:

• Fully implement, supervise and facilitate the evidence-based community crime reduction program in partnership with community members and other stakeholders
• Develop a funding sustainability plan
• Advertise, recruit, vet and hire credible violence interrupters, outreach workers and supervisors.
• Hold community events to promote the program, cultivate community acceptance, change norms and provide education about nonviolence.
• Analyze all shootings to determine the causes, prevent retaliatory acts of violence, explain why the shooting was not prevented and detail what the program site can improve to prevent shootings in the future.
• Provide regular updates to the City, by and through the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability, regarding the progress, implementation and results of the program.

Police Chief Eric Payne said the issuance of this RFP is the first step of implementing its third safety objective imbedded in the Police Department’s strategic plan – pursuing data driven, evidence-based strategies that address root causes of and help reduce crime and police-related emergencies.

“I’ve been a supporter of evidence-based community crime reduction models and have seen how they have made positive impact in various communities across the country,” Chief Payne said. “I am supportive of bringing such a program here to Grand Rapids. This and other crime prevention and community-oriented policing strategies outlined in our plan will help foster a mutual understanding, legitimacy and trust between the community and its police department.” he said.

“This evidence-based approach is funded in our current fiscal year budget,” said City Manager Washington. “I am pleased to take another step forward toward its implementation during these challenging times.”

Proposals are due to the City by January 15. An evaluation team chaired by the Director of the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability will review the proposals and recommend a lead agency to City Manager Washington for approval by City Commission. The contract award is anticipated in late February. This effort will further the implementation of the strategic plans of the Grand Rapids Police Department and of the Office of Oversight and Public Accountability.

CLICK HERE to access the Community-Led Evidence-Based Violence Reduction and Intervention RFP.

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This press release was produced by the City of Grand Rapids. The views expressed are the author's own.