Today, on Juneteenth, people throughout the country are calling for divesting from police and investing in policies that create true community safety. 
The evidence backs them up. PI has worked with community residents, nonprofit organizations, and city agencies to develop comprehensive community safety plans to prevent violence before it ever gets to the point of police intervention. This public health approach to creating community safety works. But, up until now, community safety efforts like these have been underfunded and short-lived.

Our new op-ed in Cal Matters, ‘Divest from police’ and invest in policies that take a different approach to public safety, describes what it would look like to shift resources away from police and toward an approach to public safety that’s been gaining steam for more than 15 years. Public health strategies for creating community safety acknowledge racism and other forms of discrimination; address community conditions; are collaborative; put community members in the lead; follow the data; and provide spaces for truth-telling and healing from community trauma.

Our new podcast, Ending violence by the police and in the community: calls to action for justice and peace, features Anthony Smith of Cities United and Cuco Rodriguez of Hope and Heal Fund. They talk with PI’s Lisa Fujie Parks about the need to advocate with mayors and school districts to divest from policing and invest in proven public health approaches to community safety, like violence interruption, youth employment opportunities, and community healing from trauma. They highlight the need for cities and philanthropy to invest equitably and for white-led organizations to act as allies in support of frontline, organizations led by and that support African American communities and other communities of color. 

These resources were made possible with support from The Langeloth Foundation and CARESTAR Foundation.

On Juneteenth—and every day—Prevention Institute remains steadfast in our commitment to reimagine community safety, dismantle systems of oppression, and build truly inclusive community and democratic structures that are oriented toward repairing harms—material, physical, and psychological—inflicted upon Black and Brown communities.

Juneteenth marks the end of slavery in the US when slaves in Texas were told they were free on June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This year it takes on additional significance as people all over the country speak out for full equality and an end to racial injustice for Black Americans.

It’s past time to end racist outcomes through tangible actions. See our full statement and list of recommended actions.

* Photo credit: YLB School Safety Team on Instagram