The National Network for Safe Communities’ Group Violence Intervention (GVI) has repeatedly demonstrated that serious violence can be reduced when law enforcement, community members, and social service providers join together to engage directly with violent street groups and clearly communicate 1) a credible, moral message against violence; 2) a credible law enforcement message about the group consequences of further violence; and 3) a genuine offer for those who want it.
Custom Notifications: Individualized Communication in the Group Violence Intervention provides practical information about “custom notifications,” an independent element of GVI that enables quick, tactical, direct communication to particular group members. Custom notifications articulate that group members are valued members of the community, give individualized information about their legal risk, and offer opportunities for help. They effectively interrupt group “beefs,” avoid retaliation after incidents, calm outbreaks of violence, and reinforce the GVI message. This publication presents the custom notifications process, explains its value within the broader strategy, details its use by several national practitioners, and encourages further development.
This publication is part of an ongoing series by the National Network for Safe Communities about its two core crime reduction strategies: Group Violence Intervention and Drug Market Intervention.
