One year into the ShotStoppers initiative, Detroit’s six Community Violence Intervention (CVI) zones are showing record-breaking reductions in violent crime, according to officials.
From August through October, shootings and homicides in the zones plummeted by 37% to 83%, outperforming the citywide decline of 35% during the same timeframe.
The initiative, launched in July 2023, partners the city with community-based organizations to address root causes of violence. Each CVI group implements unique strategies, combining conflict resolution, mentorship, and intervention by outreach workers with lived experiences.
Here’s a breakdown of the reductions achieved in each zone:
CVI Group Violent Crime Reduction (Aug–Oct)
Non-CVI Zones -35%
New Era Community Connection -37%
Detroit 300 -47%
FORCE Detroit -52%
Wayne Metro/Denby Alliance/Camp Restore -61%
Detroit People’s Community -73%
Detroit Friends and Family -83%
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison noted the results are on track to deliver another historic low in crime. Homicides are down 17% year-to-date, and nonfatal shootings have decreased nearly 25% compared to 2023.
To sustain and expand the program, Mayor Duggan and city leaders are pushing for the approval of the Public Safety and Violence Prevention Trust Fund in Lansing. If passed, the legislation would bring $20 million annually to Detroit, enabling the creation of two new CVI zones, including one near I-75 and 7 Mile.
