Gonzalez highlights success of Bed-Stuy anti-violence program, urges expansion

November 20, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, who supports the expansion of Project Restore Bed-Stuy, a program credited with reducing gun violence in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Photo: Jennifer Peltz/AP

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A new report from Columbia University’s Center for Justice highlights the success of Project Restore Bed-Stuy (PRB), a community-based gun violence prevention initiative that has improved safety in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

The program, which engaged at-risk youth from rival street crews, led to a 28% decrease in shootings and a 23% drop in felony assaults.

District Attorney Eric Gonzalez commented on the program’s life-saving impact.

“The success of Project Restore Bed-Stuy shows that the most effective way to reduce gun violence is by offering at-risk youth a path to a better future,” Gonzalez said. “This program has prevented retaliatory shootings and literally saved lives. I hope public awareness of this effective strategy will lead to expanded funding, allowing us to replicate its success across Brooklyn and beyond.”

The evaluation of PRB in the report reveals significant strides in community safety. Over its 18-month implementation, PRB contributed to a 28% reduction in shooting incidents and a twenty-three percent decrease in felony assaults in Bedford-Stuyvesant’s 79th and 81st precincts. The King’s County District Attorney’s Office estimates that PRB prevented 12 years of incarceration.

Project Restore Bed-Stuy takes a “holistic approach” to gun violence prevention, focusing on the underlying issues it says drive young people toward violence. Among those who have completed the program, none have been involved in gun violence or arrested afterward.

The program achieves this by offering mentorship, connecting participants with individuals who understand their experiences and can provide practical advice. It also provides skill-building opportunities, such as vocational training and job placement, to help participants achieve economic independence.

A crucial element of PRB is trauma support. Many participants have faced serious violence or loss, and the program helps them cope through counseling and group sessions. This support allows them to manage their emotions in healthier ways and break the cycle of violence.