Letter: Oakland’s gun violence reductions a good start

We need to keep the focus on the partnerships, the research and the reduction in nonfatal shootings and homicides.

Oakland’s gun violence
reductions a good start

The Giffords Law Center recently published “A Case Study in Hope: Lessons from Oakland’s Remarkable Reduction in Gun Violence.” This report highlights the work of Oakland Ceasefire, an almost decade-long collaboration between the community, the police and elected officials that has cut the number of homicides and nonfatal shootings in Oakland in half.

While the report is accurate, it is important not to get wrapped up in a premature celebration. There is work to be done. It is a natural tendency to let priorities get misplaced. We need to keep the focus on the partnerships, the research and the reduction in nonfatal shootings and homicides.

In terms of immediate priorities, the city needs to hire a new Ceasefire director. Research into the current uptick in gun violence needs to be done. Ceasefire needs to remain a funding priority and the community needs to remain a respected voice at the table.

Pastor Jim Hopkins
Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church
Oakland

 

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