The past decade has seen a dramatic shift in the way criminal justice and public safety research and practice relate to each other, including a reimagining of the role of the “expert.” Public and private institutions have increasingly looked for ways to engage communities in ways that go beyond advisory boards and information sessions.
Led by a team with lived experience and high social capital in the streets, the Street Action Network connects directly with people involved in gangs and the street economy to amplify the power of their knowledge and stories, change narratives, and create sustainable solutions to address gun violence.
The people and communities who regularly experience issues of public safety–like gun violence, over-policing, and historical disinvestment–are essential to engage in the process of creating solutions. This is not merely a moral stance; it also creates the best outcomes and ensures that proposed solutions actually solve problems.
Read more about the work of the Street Action Network by downloading the fact sheet or visit streetactionnetwork.org.