The City of Akron is now taking a more community-based approach to preventing violence from happening in the city.
The new incentive is called the “Akron Street Team Pilot Program,” where rehabilitated citizens with criminal pasts will directly connect with Akron’s residents, particularly Akron’s youth.
This new program is in partnership with the Minority Behavioral Health Group.
This program isn’t a go-door-to-door situation where the City of Akron focuses on particular wards.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said individuals who have repeat offenses or are in and out of police custody will be targeted as part of the program to hopefully intervene before those troublesome individuals continue down a bad life path.
The pilot program is being developed from a public health approach, blending elements of street outreach, violence interruption, case management, community navigation, mental health, and data analysis.
Malik said there’s been a piece missing when addressing violence in Akron.