
What has Oakland decided to do?
Ceasefire targets the most violent gangs and individuals at high risk of shooting or being shot. They communicate through group meetings ("Call-Ins") or one-on-one ("custom notifications"). Ceasefire involves community outreach, services, support, and, if needed, law enforcement actions focused on those who continue to engage in violence.;
Outreach and support services are offered by Oakland’s Department of Violence Prevention and its network of community-based organizations, providing alternatives, resources, advocacy, mentoring, and life coaching.
Community and faith leaders are vital to Ceasefire Oakland's success. Partners like Faith In Action East Bay and the National Institution for Criminal Justice Reform offer leadership, advocacy, and resources, enhancing support for participants and ensuring mutual accountability and transparency among all partners.
Oakland's ceasefire strategy demonstrated effectiveness for several years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, its effectiveness began to fail a few years before the pandemic, leading to an increase in gun violence.