- Oakland, California, has achieved historic lows in homicides through its Ceasefire-Lifeline program, which connects individuals vulnerable to gang violence with life coaches and support services.
- The program, involving prosecutors, clergy, and survivors, focuses on offering support and alternatives to incarceration, injury, or death, rather than punishment.
- After an initial success and subsequent dilution, the program was revitalized following an audit, leading to a significant drop in homicides from 118 in 2023 to 78 in 2024, and a record low of 57 last year.
- Police involvement is limited to identifying individuals at risk of retaliation or becoming victims, with the Department of Violence Prevention engaging participants directly.
- A former gang member, Bernard, successfully transformed his life with the help of a life coach from the program and now aims to become a coach himself, highlighting the program's personal impact.
IN FULL
Oakland’s radical scheme to cut gang violence with life coaches, not prison
