The Challenge
Gun violence remains a significant challenge in Philadelphia. In 2023, there were a total of 410 homicides, a number that, though slightly lower than the previous year, still represents a staggering loss of life. Additionally, there were 1,293 nonfatal shooting victims. Taken together, these numbers indicate that an average of four people were shot—fatally or non-fatally—for each day of the year. As in many urban centers, Philadelphia’s gun violence can be attributed in part to neighborhood group activity, particularly in certain police districts. Despite efforts to mitigate this problem, community members and policymakers are increasingly concerned about progressively younger people becoming involved in these activities.
The Project
Through this Stoneleigh Fellowship, David Irizarry is building on ongoing efforts to address youth gun violence by strengthening the role of the Philadelphia Police Department as a key entry point for prevention, diversion, and community partnership. Grounded in a public health approach, the project expands strategies that reduce the number of youth who become involved in group- and gun-related violence by embedding youth-centered practices within policing.
A central focus is expanding a proven school-based diversion model into the broader community through the Juvenile Assessment Center, creating new pathways for youth to be diverted from arrest and connected to services. Complementing this effort is the development of the Youth Officer Specialist role, which redefines how officers engage with youth by prioritizing relationship-building, problem-solving, and service connection.
The project also strengthens coordination between the police department and the school district to better support youth exposed to trauma and violence, ensuring timely and appropriate responses that reduce unnecessary justice system involvement.
In parallel, the project advances a place-based strategy within the city’s highest-risk locations, aligning prevention, intervention, and community engagement efforts within Operation Pinpoint. Beginning in the 22nd Police District, this approach organizes and coordinates existing resources to create a more structured and consistent response to violence in targeted areas.
Across all components, the project centers youth voice, cross-system collaboration, and data-driven decision-making to institutionalize a comprehensive and sustainable approach to youth gun violence prevention within the police department.
This Stoneleigh Fellowship will enable David to:
- Expand community-based diversion through the Juvenile Assessment Center, increasing the number of youth diverted from arrest and connected to supportive services.
- Co-Design, implement, and evaluate the Youth Officer Specialist role to enhance youth engagement and service connection.
- Strengthen coordination between the police department and school district to improve responses to youth exposed to trauma and violence.
- Develop and implement a place-based strategy aligning prevention, intervention, and community engagement efforts within Operation Pinpoint, beginning in the 22nd Police District.
- Elevate youth voice in shaping police strategies and youth-facing initiatives.
