CITY PILOT PROGRAM’S GOAL TO REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE

City government and law enforcement leaders joined Wednesday to call for peace after a series of recent shootings and to announce the launch of a pilot program called “No Shots Fired.”

San Diego is one of the safer large cities in the United States, with a violent crime rate reported by the Police Department of 3.7 incidents per 1,000 people as recently as 2017 — the lowest among the top 10 most populated cities in the country. However, in 2020, the city saw a 28 percent increase in gun violence and a 20 percent increase in citizens calling in reports of gunfire, according to the department.

In the past three years, gang members have been responsible for about 20 percent of all murders in San Diego, police said.

Mayor Todd Gloria, along with City Council members Monica Montgomery Steppe, Sean EloRivera and Police Chief David Nisleit, said Wednesday that the recent increase in shootings necessitated action.

No Shots Fired is a collaboration between the Commission on Gang Prevention and Intervention, the Community Assistance Support Team, law enforcement and other city partners. Community organizations will be tapped to reach cease-fire agreements with gangs in areas most affected by violent crime for a sixmonth period.

During that six-month period, organizations will provide outreach and resources to known gang members.

Efforts include:

• Community walks;

• Streetside memorial services;

• Faith sponsored “peace meals” and organized outreach;

• Virtual meetings with gang members to discuss seasons of peace; and

• Coordination with law enforcement

The pilot program is anticipated to run through June 2021 with evaluation and potential for expansion at that time. The program is funded by federal Community Oriented Policing Services grant funds.