06/01/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 06/01/2023 16:29
Today, the City of Portland announced a partnership with the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform (NICJR) to launch and implement a focused deterrence strategy to reduce gun violence called "Portland Ceasefire."
The program centers on collaboration among Portland's Community Safety Division and Office of Violence Prevention, City leaders, the Portland Police Bureau, and community groups.
Sierra Ellis, former interim manager of Portland's Office of Violence Prevention, will serve as Portland Ceasefire's program manager.
"Ceasefire's success hinges on collaboration, coordination, and trust from all of our partners. We acknowledge Portland's gun violence problem did not arise overnight and its resolution will take time," said Ellis.
While many elements of the Ceasefire model are already in place in Portland through the Office of Violence Prevention, the partnership with the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform will provide a stronger framework to tackle Portland's growing gun violence epidemic.
"Portland Ceasefire works to unify the efforts of the community, law enforcement, and other government partners to engage directly with those at highest risk of carrying out or being victimized by gun violence," said Mayor Ted Wheeler. "This subject matter expertise will be invaluable to guide us as we build and implement a comprehensive program tailored to Portland."
Once implemented, the Portland Ceasefire model will follow these steps:
"We are excited to continue our partnership with the City to help implement this Ceasefire strategy to combat gun violence and increase public safety," said Keiland Henderson, Violence Program Reduction Manager with the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform. "This is not a law enforcement-led or driven strategy. It is an equal partnership with direct support provided by a host of community-based organizations at its core."
Portland's contract with the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform lasts through April 2024.
Along with the Portland Ceasefire partnership, Portland is making a historic $4.5 million investment over the next two years to fund Street Level Outreach workers and violence interrupters through the Cure Violence model, a public health approach to reducing gun violence.