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Paj 1
SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
The Safety Advisory and Transportation Committee Meeting was held on September 28, 2015, at
4:00 p.m. with Chairman Hosfelt presiding. Members present were Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Sudler
(arrived at 4:21 p.m.), and Mr. Keller. Mr. Shelton was absent. Councilman Cole was present.
AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
Mr. Hutchison moved for approval of the agenda, seconded by Mr. Keller and unanimously
carried.
Presentation - Cure Violence Health Approach (Ronald J. Brown, Jr.)
Mr. Ronald J. Brown, Jr., reviewed a presentation entitled, “Cure Violence Health Approach
Presentation.” He explained that this model was started in Chicago in an attempt to cure violence
in neighborhoods with gang members, drug dealers, etc. Mr. Brown noted that this organization has
a different role than law enforcement and tries to reach high-risk individuals before they cross the
line. He noted that violence is never acceptable and is a behavior that is learned and can be
unlearned. Mr. Brown stated that the cure to violence is using those who live and work in
neighborhoods rather than government or the media. He advised members that he had been in and
out of Dover all of his life and felt that Dover could use this program. Mr. Brown stated the
importance of a partnership with a hospital because that is where retaliation starts after a shooting
or stabbing occurs, noting that the Cure Violence program has people who go to the hospital and talk
to individuals that gather there, trying to stop retaliation on the front end. Mr. Brown stated that he,
himself, came from the culture involved. He indicated that many people are coming to Dover from
outside the City who can destroy it and that someone has to step up and start dealing with them. He
noted that people in neighborhoods are scared and cater to the thugs. Mr. Brown stated the
importance of getting the community to change the norm.
Mr. Brown felt that the normal right now in Wilmington is that shooting is okay; however, Cure
Violence tries to change behaviors and social norms. He stated that the best agents to bring about
these changes are those who are from these neighborhoods. Mr. Brown stated that since
August 19, 2014, they had mediated 168 conflicts in Wilmington that could have turned into
violence. He advised members that he and the program manager were present because they want to
partner with the City to cure violence in Dover.
Mr. Brown explained that the organization has five (5) interrupters and five (5) outreach workers
who go out into the community. Participants who are 16 to 25 years old and who come from the
streets serve as eyes and ears and function as change agents to educate the public. Mr. Brown
indicated that the organization tries to convert people on the street into participants, get them into
job training programs, have them do resumes, and take them to interviews. He noted the importance
of having the right workers for the task and explained that a database is used to monitor and
document their efforts.
Mr. Brown stated that the organization responds to every shooting in Wilmington within 72 hours.
This allows for the community to come out and voice their opinions when they see the organization’s
presence because there is strength in numbers. They try to show people in the community that
shootings and violence is not normal.
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SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 PAGE 2
Mr. Brown explained that the program was started by Dr. Gary Slutkin in Chicago. Mr. Brown
stated that he had come to provide information on the program at Councilman Anderson’s request.
Members were provided a presentation entitled, “Stop Shootin’, Start Thinkin’, Keep Livin’ - Cure
Violence Presentation” (Attachment #1) and a brochure on the “Cease Violence Wilmington”
program (Attachment #2).
Mr. Brown stated the need to change this generation, noting that otherwise things would get worse.
He stated that the Cure Violence model is evidence based and proven to work, and that shootings
had decreased at least 55% everywhere this model had been implemented. Mr. Brown advised
members that the only people that could run this program or be workers in it would be people who
live in Dover. His people would be teaching assistants and trainers.
In response to Mr. Hutchison regarding whether the model was working in Wilmington, Mr. Brown
stated that, even though Wilmington has had 94 shootings, they had stopped a lot of shootings by
“talking down” a number of high-risk individuals. He noted that last year Wilmington had over 100
shootings at this time last year. Mr. Brown acknowledged that they cannot stop everything but can
mediate conflicts when possible and try to make the program effective.
Responding to Mr. Hutchison regarding their training program, Mr. Brown noted that the
organization receives data from law enforcement and would try to identify four (4) target areas, such
as New Street, Capital Green, and Capitol Park, where the most situations happen. They would
conduct training on mediation skills, outreach skills, and how to communicate with high-risk
individuals. Mr. Brown stated that he had a complete manual.
In response to Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Brown indicated that the training program would be
approximately two (2) weeks in duration.
Responding to Mr. Hutchison as to how individuals are selected from the target areas and what kind
of checks are done, Mr. Brown stated that background checks are done and those selected cannot
have crimes against women or children. They must also be credible and cannot have been
informants, noting the importance of trust. They must also be connected to their community, noting
that someone from Milford who works in Dover would not be selected. Mr. Brown indicated that
he had an individual who would be the point man for Dover since he knows everything and
everybody from the street in Dover. He advised members that these jobs would be advertised in the
paper like any other job. Mr. Brown stated the intent to start off with 50-60 individuals who would
be interviewed. Selections would be made depending on how big the program is going to be and
how many areas would be targeted.
In response to Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Brown stated that these individuals would be paid. He noted that
there are volunteers, but the Wilmington organization is funded through the City of Wilmington and
is a City 501(c)(3) that partners with Christiana Hospital and a couple of different organizations.
Mr. Brown stated that they do a lot of outreach work. He explained that high-risk individuals are
getting younger and younger, and the program targets individuals starting at age 12 who may be at
the Ferris School, Wilmington Detention Center, or in group homes.
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SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 PAGE 3
Responding to Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Brown stated that the program had been involved in Wilmington
for 22 months. Mr. Brown advised members that he is the supervisor and does all the strategy plans.
Mr. Bob Cannon, Program Manager, does all the management work.
In reference to Mr. Brown’s comment that the organization often starts out at the hospital after an
incident, Mr. Hosfelt questioned whether this is considered mediation. Responding, Mr. Brown
stated that it is not. He explained that mediation occurs when two (2) different individuals or groups
are having a problem. His organization tries to meet with them to try to get an agreement in an effort
to interrupt and contain violence. Mr. Brown noted that often it is peer pressure that causes these
individuals to do what they do and, although a lot of them want to change, a lack of opportunity,
such as jobs, is a big part of the problem. He indicated that his organization was partnering with the
Department of Labor and businesses such as Access Labor Services to try to assist with jobs.
Mr. Brown informed members that many of these individuals have no family management or other
skill sets. He noted that he started off as a violence interrupter and that dealing with displaced
individuals is a 365-day-per-year job. Mr. Brown stated that the organization tries to go to hospitals,
noting that he had seen individuals who had been shot 10 times and were lying in beds with
colostomy bags and tubes, etc., and that is when they finally realize that something is wrong. He
explained that, although these may be the toughest individuals on the planet, when you see them in
that bed, they are soft.
In response to Mr. Keller regarding church involvement, Mr. Brown stated that all organizations love
this initiative. For example, he indicated that Whatcoat is a neighborhood in Dover where a lot of
incidents occur. If the Whatcoat United Methodist Church held an event, Cure Violence would come
to provide security at Whatcoat’s request. Mr. Brown stated that they try to cater to the churches,
and churches take care of their organization as well. Mr. Brown advised members that they do not
get paid for 60% of the work they do, noting that he works seven (7) days per week but gets paid for
five (5). He informed members that this is not a job done for a paycheck but because of a desire to
change the community.
In response to Mr. Hosfelt regarding what the organization would need from the City to get the
program started, Mr. Cannon stated that they would need a letter from the City of Dover to their
national sponsors in Chicago and the City of Wilmington stating that the City feels the need for Cure
Violence to come to the City. Then they would contact the City of Dover and go from there, since
there would be a need to talk about the logistics for funding.
Responding to Mr. Hosfelt, Mr. Cannon stated that the organization received $250,000 from the City
of Wilmington last year and $225,000 this year. He stated that this was not nearly enough, noting
that this basically just took care of salaries. Mr. Cannon advised members that this model has a lot
of costs for outreach, noting that there are rallies, information booths, barbecues, etc., set up in
different communities to draw the interest of the community and to get them involved. He stated
that they were making do with existing funding, but the program was underfunded. Noting that they
had recently turned in their yearly evaluation and overview of the program, Mr. Cannon indicated
that it was hoped that there would be more funding.
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SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 PAGE 4
Responding to Mr. Keller regarding the program’s success in Chicago, Mr. Cannon stated that the
program had brought about change where it had been implemented. He stated his belief that two (2)
more sites had opened in Chicago and advised members that the model was now international, as
it had been implemented in Mexico and Honduras. He reiterated that it had been proven to work.
Mr. Cannon stated that the University of Michigan just did a study on Cure Violence and concluded
that the method works. He explained that Cure Violence initiative looks at violence as a medical
issue which is a learned behavior and stated that research available on the initiative at
cureviolence.com showed that the model was working.
Mr. Cannon stated that the program was just getting started in Wilmington, but they had seen some
successes. He emphasized that the only way the program would work was if the right people were
hired, reiterating that they hire individuals who have been in the system but have cleaned themselves
up, have street knowledge, come from and know the community, and are serious about what they are
doing. Each individual hired is taken through an intense program to make sure that they are on the
right track.
Mr. Hosfelt indicated that no action was required by the Committee at this point; however, advised
Mr. Brown and Mr. Cannon that the minutes would bring this matter to Council for their review.
Mr. Brown stated that funders were needed for the program and that one of the main parties needed
would be the hospital, because everything starts at the hospital.
Mr. Cannon stated that the Wilmington model is the only model that is not under a health care
system, and this was one of their main goals, which would allow for more funding. He felt that this
was probably because the program in Wilmington was new and a review of their numbers was
needed. Mr. Cannon informed members that Cure Violence Chicago is under the University of
Illinois, the Philadelphia program us under Temple University, and the Camden and Baltimore
programs are under Johns Hopkins.
Presentation - Dangerous Building Process
Mrs. Ann Marie Townshend, Director of Planning and Community Development, reviewed a
presentation entitled “Dangerous Building/Demolition Process” (Attachment #3). Mrs. Townshend
explained that the dangerous building ordinance is addressed in Chapter 22, Article XI of the Dover
Code. She reviewed the conditions that trigger the dangerous building process and the process by
which staff declares a building dangerous.
Mrs. Townshend explained that, during weekly staff meetings, staff discusses cases where there are
problems achieving progress or closure and they are not able to get through to the property owner
the need to take action. Mr. Tim Taraila, Code Enforcement Supervisor, and Mrs. Townshend
review these cases and, if they believe they meet the criteria for coming forward to City Council as
a dangerous building, they order a lien search. She advised members that a first notice is then sent
to the property owner and the lien holders. This typically allows the property owner 15 days or a
month to act. If nothing is corrected, a notice is sent to schedule a hearing before City Council.
Mrs. Townshend indicated that it is usually three (3) to six (6) months from the time that staff
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SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 PAGE 5
reaches a dead-end with a property before it comes to City Council. Often the property owner comes
forward and realizes that staff is serious when they receive notice that they are scheduled for City
Council.
Mrs. Townshend explained that a notice of Council action is sent to the owner and lienholders. If
Council sets a 30 or 60 day deadline, a notice is sent to the property owner during the week of that
deadline that provides 10 days to get everything out of the building. The City’s contractor,
Compliance Environmental, Inc., is then brought in to do an asbestos survey. If there is asbestos,
which is common in older buildings, there is asbestos abatement, which is done concurrently with
bid specifications. Demolition then follows.
Mrs. Townshend stated that demolition typically occurs 60 days after Council’s deadline. The
invoices reflecting the expenses incurred are sent to Customer Service, who then bills the property
owner. If the amount owed is not paid by the next tax bill, these expenses are added to the taxes,
which will hold up property transfers. Mrs. Townshend stated the desire to be more effective and
proactive about getting these bills paid, rather than letting them sit as liens until the properties
transfer. She advised members that sometimes a demolition lien will eventually force a property to
a sheriff’s sale, but a sheriff’s sale means that a property is two (2) years delinquent on taxes. Once
the property is added to the tax bill it starts toward a sheriff’s sale, but ideally staff would like to
recover costs and get properties back into a desirable use more quickly. She indicated that staff was
working on this and that this matter would be placed on a future meeting agenda.
In response to Mr. Hutchison, Mrs. Townshend stated that there were approximately 400 vacant
buildings in the City.
Mr. Hutchison stated the importance of everybody understanding how much demand the Planning
and Inspections Department is under every single day because of the number of vacant homes in the
City, noting that this number had never been this high in the City’s history. Although Planning and
Inspections was dealing very well under the circumstances, he felt this was a very big problem.
Mrs. Townshend stated that staff’s priority, other than managing these properties to make sure that
they are not becoming a nuisance to the degree possible, is trying to get them occupied. She noted
that, while some people do not like the vacant building fee, it forces the owner to either pay this fee
or sell the property. Mrs. Townshend explained that it was not supposed to be easy for an owner to
just maintain a vacant building merely because they do not want to sell, move into, or rent it.
Left-Turn Signal at State and Water Streets
Mr. Scott Koenig, City Manager, informed members that there had been inquiries from the public
related to the intersection of State and Water Streets, noting both of these streets are State of
Delaware maintained rights of way. Although the City of Dover owned the traffic signal at this
location years ago, through some work with the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT)
and the bond bill, the City was able to upgrade the signals and turn them over to the State of
Delaware.
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SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 PAGE 6
Mr. Koenig advised members that there are dedicated green arrows that allow eastbound and
westbound travelers to turn north or south from Water Street onto State Street, and a straight through
green bulb going east and west. Going north and south, there are no dedicated green arrows at this
intersection. Mr. Koenig indicated that there is a turn lane going southbound on State Street that
allows for approximately three (3) cars in the turn bay and there are conflicts with the traffic backing
up at the intersection going north and south. When the light turns green, since there is no green
arrow, drivers have to wait for oncoming traffic or take a chance by going quickly first or going in
between vehicles.
Mr. Koenig explained that requests had been received in the past to install a green arrow to allow
eastbound or westbound turns onto Water Street from State Street; however, at that time there was
not enough traffic volume or turning counts to warrant the green arrow. Since traffic volume had
increased, he stated that staff would like to ask DelDOT, based on the inquiries received, to study
this area again to see whether green arrows are needed. Mr. Koenig stated that, from a staff
standpoint, it would help to have the endorsement of a committee, as well as Council, when a letter
is sent to the Secretary of Transportation or Chief Traffic Engineer to request that this issue be
studied.
Responding to Mr. Hutchison as to whether there were other locations that needed to be studied at
the same time, Mr. Koenig stated that approximately two (2) years ago, the City requested DelDOT
to look at similar issues on Loockerman Street. He indicated that DelDOT responded that putting
left turn arrows would create additional traffic congestion on Loockerman Street and declined at that
point. Mr. Koenig indicated that the Water/State Street intersection was probably the major issue
right now, and that as things come up in the future, staff would pursue other locations.
Mr. Hutchison suggested that the input of the Police Chief be obtained before making the request.
In response to Mr. Hutchison, Mr. Koenig confirmed that the City does not own any traffic signals
and they are all on State-maintained roads. He advised members that there were not green arrows
at the intersection of Queen and Water Streets and that this would probably be a location that the
Police Chief would say needs them.
In response to Mr. Sudler’s request to share his thoughts about what other intersections may need
green arrows, Police Chief Paul Bernat stated that the intersection of Queen and Water Streets is just
as bad as the intersection of State and Water Streets. He confirmed the problem at State and Water
Streets, noting that he had contacted DelDOT about it and was told that their studies indicate that
it was fine. Chief Bernat indicated that these were the two (2) main intersections with problems,
and stated that he could ask other officers to see if there were problems as well.
Mr. Koenig asked members to endorse sending a letter to the appropriate staff at DelDOT with
respect at least to the Queen/Water and State/Water Street intersections. If additional intersections
come up between now and the Council meeting, this could be entered into the record at the Council
meeting. He noted that an inquiry letter would be sent for DelDOT to check into this and provide
a report or a timeline for planning improvements.
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SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 PAGE 7
Mr. Sudler moved to recommend endorsing a letter to the Delaware Department of
Transportation to study the Queen/Water Street and State/Water Street intersections. The
motion was seconded by Mr. Hutchison and unanimously carried.
Proposed Ordinance #2015-15 Amending Chapter 70 - Offenses and Miscellaneous Provisions,
Section 70-2 - Weapons Generally and Appendix F - Fees and Fines
Chairman Hosfelt advised members that the intent of proposed Ordinance #2015-15 was to address
two (2) areas: 1) concerns about individuals trying to bring weapons into municipal buildings, and
2) the processes involved in licensing or permitting those who wanted to openly carry weapons in
the City. He noted that in 2012 or 2013, the City started issuing such licenses or permits and the
Police Department was charged with trying to do a quick background investigation on those
individuals, which ties up resources.
Police Chief Paul Bernat advised members that Proposed Ordinance #2015-15 would harmonize the
Dover Code with the provisions of Article I, Section 20 of the Delaware Constitution. He stated that
the ordinance had been reviewed by Mr. William Pepper, Deputy City Solicitor. Chief Bernat stated
that since April 26 of 2013, the Police Department had handled 117 open carry permits, which had
taken a lot of time. Chief Bernat stated that the past chief had denied two (2) such permits, one (1)
for a person that had a pending criminal investigation and one (1) that was wanted during race
weekend. By the time the information was received, it was too late to do a background check and
this permit was denied. Chief Bernat explained that it is a constitutional right to open carry.
Mr. Hutchison questioned, under this ordinance, if only licensed law enforcement officers could
come on City property, even if another individual had a permit. He inquired if an individual with
a concealed deadly weapon permit would have a right to come into a municipal building.
Responding, Chief Bernat stated, even with the new amendment, that if someone has a concealed
deadly weapon permit, they are allowed to carry it as long as it is concealed. He stated that an
individual cannot show a weapon; however, if they have it open, are asked to leave, and leave
immediately, there is no harm nor foul.
Responding to Mr. Sudler, Chief Bernat stated that, under the new amendment, an individual would
have a right to come into a municipal or government building with an open firearm but could be
asked to leave. This was not the case at the present time.
Mr. Sudler questioned the reason for the main initiative, and if there had been incidents where
someone who had the right to carry acted inappropriately. Responding, Chief Bernat stated that he
did not recall such an incident and expressed his belief that the purpose was prevention, noting that
things can get heated and people become upset. He felt that if one (1) shooting could be prevented,
this should be done.
Mr. Hosfelt stated his belief that this started out with the receipt of information from the Delaware
League of Local Governments, which had developed a draft that they felt municipalities could use.
He stated his understanding that it had received some vetting from the National Rifle Association
and Mr. Pepper had reviewed it to make sure that the City was not treading on anyone’s rights.
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SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 PAGE 8
Mr. Hosfelt advised members, in regard to Lines 71 through 73, that there was a need to come up
with an appropriate fine and questioned if Chief Bernat had any suggestions.
Responding, Chief Bernat stated that he thought the fee should be significant, at least $500 and not
to exceed $1,000. He indicated his concerns regarding why someone would feel they needed to bring
a gun in, noting that if they were at the point where they were going to be arrested, this meant they
were not leaving when they were told to, which meant there was another charge of trespassing.
In response to Mr. Sudler regarding the current penalty for trespassing, Chief Bernat stated he was
unsure but believed it would be somewhere between $50 and $150, depending on the criminal
history.
Mr. Hosfelt stated that this would be a Delaware criminal charge, noting that the discussion was
about a City ordinance.
In response to Mr. Hosfelt, Mrs. McDowell confirmed that any suggestion forwarded by the
Committee could be changed at the Council meeting.
Staff recommended adoption of proposed Ordinance #2015-15.
Mr. Hosfelt moved to recommend adoption of Proposed Ordinance #2015-15 with a fine of not
less than $500, nor more than $1,000 for violations of the ordinance. The motion was seconded
by Mr. Keller and unanimously carried.
Proposed Ordinance #2015-16 Amending Chapter 106 - Traffic and Vehicles, Article III -
Stopping, Standing and Parking, Division 2 - Metered Parking, Section 106-164 - Violations;
Penalties
Members were advised that proposed Ordinance #2015-16 would reduce the time from
immobilization of vehicles to towing and impounding them from 120 hours to 24 hours.
Chief Paul Bernat explained that this ordinance would address parking boots. He explained that
there had been some issues regarding vehicles that were booted and it was necessary to wait five (5)
days before towing. Chief Bernat indicated that staff felt it would be in the vehicle owner’s best
interest to have vehicles towed after 24 hours of being booted.
In response to Mr. Hosfelt, Chief Bernat stated that the owners of these vehicles owe the City money
and this threshold for the amount owed had been lowered from $200 to $100.
Responding to Mr. Sudler regarding why the threshold was lowered, Chief Bernat stated that it was
lowered from $200 to $100 in order to utilize the boots and get people to comply. He indicated that
some people were scofflaws who did not comply with the law.
Mr. Hutchison moved to recommend adoption of Ordinance #2015-16, as recommended by
staff. The motion was seconded by Mr. Sudler and unanimously carried.
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SAFETY ADVISORY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2015 PAGE 9
Mr. Hutchison moved for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Keller and unanimously carried.
Meeting adjourned at 4:57 p.m.
James E. Hosfelt, Jr.
Chairman
JEH/TM/js/dd
S:\AGENDAS-MINUTES-PACKETS-PRESENTATIONS-ATT&EXH\Committee-Minutes\2015\09-28-2015 SA&T.wpd
Attachments
Attachment #1 - Presentation - "Stop Shootin', Start Thinkin', Keep Livin' - Cure Violence Presentation"
Attachment #2 - "Cease Violence Wilmington"
Attachment #3 - Dangerous Building/Demolition Process
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ATTACHMENT #1
SA&T Committee Meeting of 09/28/2015
STA·RT THINKIN'
KEEP LIVIN.
PRESENTATION
Dover De.
Sept 28th 2015
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Homicide is the leading cause
Of Death
Among Americans Aged
16-35
1. How do we cure violence as a society?
2. Do we let the lack of funding keep destroying our
Communities?
3. Who' s responsible for the Communities we live in?
4. Do you think Violence is acceptable?
5. Do you believe there is strength in numbers?
6. When do we start restoring what "we" built?
7. Who' s going to step up and start holding others
accountable for their action ' s?
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The Mission
Stop Shootings & Killings
Key Messages
Core Message
Violence is contagious; we can treat and, ultimately cure violence
What we all care about
Everyone deserves to live in a safe, healthy community. When shootings and killings occur
frequently in neighborhoods, it harms the neighborhood, its reside nts and economic
development-from jobs to housing to schools. We need to help these neighborhoods become
healthy again.
Violence is a learned Behavior
Too many people have been exposed to violence over a prolonged period. Violence is like a
contagious disease. When people observe or experience violence they are SOx more likely to
repeat the behavior. Yet it is possible to stop the transmission of violence.
Curing Violence through a Health Approach
Cure Violence approaches violence like a disease and uses the sa me health strategies deployed
to fight infectious diseases such as Al DS. We train carefully selected members of the
community - trusted insiders- to anticipate where violence may occur and intervene before it
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Erupts. And we engage the entire community in an effort to change behavior and recognize
that violence is unacceptable as a method of conflict resolution.
A Future without Violence is Bright
Violence is unnecessary. The better we understand the issue - that violence is like a contagious
disease - the better we can apply innovative approaches to stop it. Reduced violence means
lives saved, stronger communities, economic development and job growth in communities.
Elevator Pitch
Cure Violence works to reduce violence globally using disease control and behavior change
methods. Like other potentially harmful behaviors - drug addiction, smoking, eating too much,
exercising too little, risky sexual behavior - violent behavior can be diagnosed, and successfully
treated with a health approach.
Boiler Plate
1. Detect and interrupt its transmission. Anticipate where violence may occur and
intervene before it erupts.
2. Change the behavior of the highest potential transmitte rs. Identify those at highest risk
for violence and work to change their behavior
3. Change community norms, influence social norms to discourage the use of violence.
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The Cure Violence Approach
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does Cure Violence relate to law enforcement/police?
Cure Violence plays a separate but complementary role to law enforcement, Police apprehend
someone when they' ve crossed the line; the cu re violence approach is focused on preventing
someone from crossing the line.
Who makes the best Violence Interrupters & Outreach Workers and why?
Health protocols learned from successfully battling diseases such as AIDS prove people who are
engaged in high-risk activity are more likely to change their behavior when they are approached
by someone they know and trust. The Cure Violence model is based on hiring staff viewed as
credible messengers and part of the neighborhood of those at highest risk.
What types of policies and procedures does the Cure Violence approach use to
strengthen and support field workers in local communities?
Cure Violence 's violence interrupters & outreach workers go through rigorous screening and
training and are hired after opportunities have been provided to local law enforcement for
input. Cure Violence works hard to help staff avoid returning to negative health behaviors,
including in-depth multi-layered hiring panels, to require back ground checks and health
screens. Additional counseling, peer mentoring, trauma t raining and education programs and
currently in development.
It has been proven time and time again in public health that to be effective messengers of
behavior change, the change agent must be a person of trust, a person who can identify with
those whose behavior is targeted for change, a person who has " walk in their shoes." This is the
core essence of the public health approach . And it works.
Cure Violence outreach staff and violence interrupters put their lives at risk every day in their
effort to diffuse conflict in high-risk neighborhoods throughout the US and abroad . Not only
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have they been exposed to violence virtually all of their lives due to the neighborhoods they
grew up in, but they work each and every day in the most violent neighborhoods of cities across
the globe. They need support in order to be successful. Cure Violence works hard to help staff
avoid returning to negative behaviors; as a consequence, its staff retention rates remain
impressive.
Can ex-offenders and former gang members truly change?
Yes, absolutely! Violence is a learned behavior reinforced by social norms. When violence is
what all people see around them when growing up, people are likely to repeat the behavior.
The good news is that if violence is learned, it can be unlearned. Cure violence's interrupters
and outreach workers demonstrate that every day. And their work in the communities is
helping others to change their behavior.
Why should tax dollars go towards violence prevention in at-risk communities?
Violence has a price tag. Studies show that violence in major city neighborhoods costs
taxpayers between $2 and 2.5 billion per year. Violence stands in the way of progress on job
creation, affordable housing and quality schools. Each shooting that is avoided reduces the
trauma children are exposed to growing up within their community. Trauma from violence has
a huge impact on whether kids drop out of school, grow up with mental illness, use drugs or
alcohol, or harm their own or other children. Reduced violence means lives saved, stronger
communities, economic development and job growth in communities .
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ATTACHMENT #2
SA&T Committee Meeting of 09/28/2015
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ATTACHMENT #3
SA&T Committee Meeting of 09/28/2015
Dangerous Building/Demolition
Process
Planning & Inspections Department
Dover, Delaware
September 28, 2015
ATTACHMENT #3
SA&T Committee Meeting of 09/28/2015
Paj 18
Dover Code – Chapter 22, Article XI
Defines “Dangerous Building”
Provides a Process for Council Declaration
and Demolition
Includes an Emergency provision
Paj 19
What Triggers the Process?
Non-responsiveness to violation notices
Prolonged vacancy
Vacancies found to be unsecured
Lack of maintenance
– City having the property boarded
– City having grass cut
Neighbor complaints
Paj 20
What Triggers the Process?
Evidence of drugs or other criminal activity
Fire damage
Contribution to blight
Structural concerns
Paj 21
Staff Declared Dangerous
Weekly staff meetings
– Review “problem” properties
– Staff recommendations reviewed by Code
Enforcement Supervisor and Director
Lien search
First notice to owner and lienholders
Notice to owner and lienholders scheduling
Council hearing
3-6 month process
Paj 22
After Council Action
Notice of Council action sent to owner
and lienholder(s)
After deadline (about 60 days)
– Asbestos survey
– Demolition bid specifications
– Asbestos abatement
– Demolition
Send invoices to Customer Service for
billing