Partnership for a Safer Cleveland

🖤 Addressing the Impact of Gun Violence & Media in Our Communities 🖤 Gun violence claimed 46,728 lives in the U.S. last year, including a record 27,300 firearm-related suicides. These staggering numbers highlight an urgent need to understand and address the causes behind this crisis. 📉🔫 Research points to the role of media in shaping societal violence. Sensational coverage of gun violence—whether through news stories, TV shows, or movies—can create a "contagion effect," leading to copycat incidents. Mass shootings often receive extensive media attention, offering vulnerable individuals a harmful script to emulate. Experts, including the CDC and the World Health Organization, stress the importance of responsible reporting to reduce these effects. Recommendations include: 🔸 Avoiding sensational language and excessive detail about violent acts. 🔸Focusing on stories of resilience, community support, and prevention strategies. 🔸Sharing resources for those in crisis, including hotlines and support networks. Evidence also shows that childhood exposure to violent media—like video games or TV shows—can influence future behaviors, including the likelihood of carrying or using weapons. As we face a flood of real violence on social media, educating youth and building media literacy is more critical than ever. We can shift the narrative together to inspire solutions and foster safer communities. Let’s reimagine how violence is portrayed and work to prevent its devastating impact. 🖤 #GunViolenceAwareness #ResponsibleMedia #CommunitySafety #SaferCleveland

Cleveland Police and Community: Partnering for a Safer Future Strong police-community relationships are essential to public safety and trust. The Cleveland Division of Police continues its critical work under a federal consent decree, addressing patterns of excessive force, increasing accountability, and fostering trust through collaboration. A cornerstone of this effort is the Community and Problem-Oriented Policing (CPOP) program, which brings officers and residents together to solve problems over time. Inspired by lessons from other cities like Baltimore, Cleveland officers are already applying new strategies to better engage with the community. Commander Timothy Maffo-Judd, M.S, CLEE highlights the program’s purpose: “Collaboration between the police and the community doesn’t work without the community. It’s the first word—community problem-oriented policing.” Officers like Derrick Brown and Adrian Calhoun are strengthening relationships by addressing homelessness, hosting safety workshops, and empowering residents to take an active role in creating safer neighborhoods. As Cleveland embraces these innovative approaches, the commitment to reimagining policing and building a foundation of trust remains steadfast. This work represents not just progress, but a vision for the future of law enforcement. #CommunityPolicing #PoliceReform #SaferCleveland #PublicSafety #Collaboration

💸 Gun Violence Costs Lives and Taxpayer Dollars 💸 A recent report by the Columbus Office of Violence Prevention and the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform reveals the staggering financial toll of gun violence in Columbus: 🔴 $2 million for every fatal shooting 🔴 Over $700,000 for each non-fatal shooting 🔴 $500 million annually in taxpayer costs Gun violence not only devastates lives but also drains community resources that could be invested in prevention and intervention programs. Programs like VOICE (Violence, Outreach, Intervention, and Community Engagement) are making a difference by supporting survivors and breaking cycles of violence. Cleveland must take note: investing in prevention and intervention saves lives and money. By addressing gun violence holistically, we can create safer neighborhoods for everyone. #GunViolencePrevention #SaferCleveland #CommunitySafety #ClevelandTogether #KnowMore #DoMore

🔍 Examining the Alarming Rise in Gun Violence Across the U.S. A recent study analyzing firearm homicides from 2018 to 2022 highlights not only the severity but also the geographic concentration of gun violence in America. The findings are sobering: National Trends: 🔹 The firearm homicide rate increased by nearly 40% in just five years, rising from 4.27 to 5.96 per 100,000 people. 🔹This reflects broader societal challenges around public safety, firearm access, and gun control policies. Regional Hotspots: 🔹Orleans Parish, Louisiana (home to New Orleans) leads the nation with 54 firearm homicides per 100,000 residents in 2022—double its 2018 rate. 🔹St. Louis County, Missouri, and emerging areas like Portsmouth, VA, and Orangeburg, SC, show alarming increases, particularly in smaller communities. Root Causes: Experts cite a range of contributing factors, including: 🔹Relaxed state and federal firearm laws. 🔹Increased firearm sales during the COVID-19 pandemic. 🔹Limited access to public services and support systems during crises. Proposed Solutions: To reverse this troubling trend, public health and safety experts recommend: 🔸 Implementing permit-to-purchase laws requiring background checks and safety training. 🔸Enforcing secure gun storage practices to prevent unauthorized access. 🔸Supporting community violence intervention programs to proactively reduce risks. 🔸Establishing Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) to temporarily restrict firearm access for individuals deemed high-risk. A Cleveland Perspective: As Cleveland continues its efforts to enhance community safety, this data serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive, holistic strategies. Policies that combine enforcement, prevention, and education are critical for reducing gun violence and saving lives. 📊 Key Takeaway: Tackling gun violence requires a multifaceted approach that balances community intervention with stronger regulations on firearm access and use. Let’s work together to advance evidence-based policies and ensure safer neighborhoods for all. 📖 Read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/gmGErQX4 #GunViolencePrevention #CommunitySafety #PolicyChange #SaferCleveland #PublicSafetyLeadership

💸 Did You Know? The High Cost of Gun Violence in Toledo Did you know that each fatal shooting in Toledo costs taxpayers nearly $900,000, while non-fatal shootings can reach up to $600,000? 😱 A recent study by the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform revealed just how expensive gun violence can be for the city. But here's the good news: reducing shootings by just 20% could save millions of taxpayer dollars. The city is working hard to address these costs through community efforts like the Community Action Table, where residents, local leaders, and organizations come together to find solutions. One key strategy is high-risk mediation to reduce violence and promote safety and opportunity. Want to learn more about how these efforts can make a real difference in Toledo? Want to learn how the Partnership is working in Cleveland on similar efforts . . . keep following us, send us a DM, and tell a friend or three 💯 #SaferToledo #CommunitySolutions #StopGunViolence #InvestInPrevention #ReduceGunViolence #SaferCleveland

📊 New Report Examines 30 Years of Firearm Violence Trends in the U.S. 📊 The latest report provides a comprehensive view of firearm violence from 1993 to 2023, offering insights that go beyond any single data source. By analyzing data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the CDC, this report reveals patterns in fatal and nonfatal firearm violence, including: 🔹 A 72% decline in the rate of nonfatal firearm violence for persons 12+ over the past three decades. 🔹Reporting trends, with about 64% of nonfatal incidents reported to police from 2018–2022. 🔹The persistence of firearms in homicide cases, with firearms involved in around 80% of homicides in recent years. With data on firearm types, incident locations, victim-offender relationships, and more, this report offers crucial insights for policymakers, researchers, and advocates working to reduce gun violence. 📉 🔗 We encourage our followers and networks to read the full report for a deeper understanding of these trends and their implications. Let’s work together to build a safer future. #FirearmViolence #PublicSafety #DataInsights #PolicyResearch #safercleveland

📊 Announcing the Launch of the Gun Violence Data Hub by The Trace! 📊 We're excited to share that The Trace has launched its Gun Violence Data Hub—a vital new resource for newsrooms across the country to access accurate, reliable data for reporting on gun violence. Designed to help journalists move beyond reactive coverage and towards data-driven, impactful storytelling, the Hub aims to shift the narrative and provide the resources necessary to contextualize complex issues in gun violence. The Data Hub, which went live in early November, is comprised of: 🔹 A Live Help Desk: Staffed by experienced journalists ready to assist with data cleaning, analysis, and guidance. 🔹Reference Materials & Best Practices: Including a glossary, tip sheets, and other essential tools for responsible reporting. 🔹Coming Soon: A Data Library (Spring 2025): A curated repository of gun violence data from sources like the CDC and ATF, made accessible and understandable for newsrooms, even those without data-specialized staff. The Hub has already collaborated with Verite News, analyzing police department data to uncover racial disparities in use-of-force incidents. This kind of partnership is just the beginning, as the Hub will soon provide localized and contextualized data to fuel transformative stories across the nation. As George LeVines, the Hub's editor, puts it, success will be measured not just by metrics, but by impact—how many newsrooms are empowered to tell these critical stories and, ultimately, how many lives these stories can touch. Journalists, data analysts, and newsroom leaders—take advantage of this groundbreaking resource today and help drive reporting that resonates. Check out the Gun Violence Data Hub, share it with your networks, and let’s work together to elevate the national conversation on gun violence. #GunViolenceData #DataJournalism #TransformativeJournalism #PublicInterestData #safercleveland #TheTrace

🚨 New Safety Proposal for Downtown Cleveland! 🚨 Real estate investor Terry Coyne is calling for a bold approach to address safety in downtown Cleveland amid rising concerns over crime. His proposal suggests that downtown property owners fund round-the-clock patrols by Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s deputies, aiming to create a safer environment for residents and businesses. Coyne believes this plan could bring relief by expanding the limited patrols already in place. The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department has seen some success with part-time patrols, having seized over 100 guns and made felony arrests. Now, Coyne suggests that extending this to a full 24/7 presence could reduce crime and offer a long-term solution. However, leaders from Downtown Cleveland, Inc. emphasize that current resources are already directed toward maintaining a safe environment. Through the Downtown Cleveland Improvement District (DCID), property owners are funding initiatives like the Clean & Safe Program, enhanced lighting, and surveillance. DCID officials are concerned that funding Coyne’s proposal may underestimate the real costs involved. As stakeholders weigh this idea, we’re curious: Do you think Coyne’s plan for 24/7 sheriff patrols funded by property owners is feasible? 🤔 Could this approach, focused on visible law enforcement, be more effective than current safety programs funded by DCID? Comparatively, special taxes or fees often support local improvements, like how some cities use dedicated taxes for schools, parks, or infrastructure. But could a safety tax prove more effective in reducing crime, or are there better alternatives? Let us know your thoughts on this safety-first approach and whether a new tax or fee structure might be a workable solution for Cleveland. #DowntownSafety #CommunitySecurity #ClevelandInitiatives #PublicSafety #SaferCleveland #ThisIsCle

🔔 CMS Guidance on Firearm Safety Counseling for Families: A Step Forward in Youth Health and Safety 🔔 The Biden administration has taken a significant step by allowing Medicaid providers to counsel families on firearm safety, aiming to reduce preventable gun-related injuries and deaths among children. This new CMS guidance permits discussions on safe storage practices, helping healthcare providers make firearm safety conversations as routine as those around car seats, water safety, or substance use. Research shows that safe firearm storage—unloaded, locked, and stored separately from ammunition—can dramatically reduce accidental injuries, suicides, and other tragedies in youth. At Northwell Health in New York, patients are already asked about firearm access, and gun locks are provided to families in need. With Medicaid now supporting these safety conversations, more providers have the resources to start these critical discussions with parents and caregivers. For healthcare leaders and public health advocates, this new measure is a step toward addressing gun violence as a public health issue, bringing safety and prevention to the forefront of youth healthcare. Although this guidance currently applies only to Medicaid, it opens the door to considering more comprehensive firearm safety measures across healthcare, potentially making discussions on safe storage a routine part of care. As states begin to explore this Medicaid option, we anticipate innovative approaches and best practices emerging. #HealthcareLeadership #PublicHealth #FirearmSafety #Medicaid #SaferCleveland #SafeStorage

🌍 Building Walkable Communities: Why It Matters & What’s Next 🌍 Did you know that only 11% of Americans live in highly walkable areas? Walkability impacts our health, environment, and community connectivity—making it essential for thriving neighborhoods. Thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, $6.1 billion is now available to create walkable communities across the U.S., encouraging safer, more accessible places to walk, bike, and connect. Key funding initiatives include ✅ Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) - $5 billion in grants for projects that improve pedestrian safety with sidewalks, crosswalks, and more. ✅ Reconnecting Communities Pilot - $1 billion to remove or modify barriers and reconnect communities separated by past infrastructure. ✅ Complete Streets - Formula grants to support multimodal planning at state and metro levels. Walkability is more than sidewalks; it’s about connecting people to daily destinations, improving health, and boosting local economies. At the Partnership, we’re excited to support and promote these transformative initiatives. Together, let’s step forward toward more walkable communities! 🏙️ #Walkability #Infrastructure #CommunitySafety #UrbanPlanning #HealthyCommunities #SaferCleveland