About Us

HISTORY

The Community Violence Intervention Team (CVIT) was established in Washtenaw County as a coordinated response to the need for effective, community-based strategies to address violence. Originating from a coalition of local leaders, practitioners, and individuals with lived experience, CVIT convened regularly to build trust, deepen collective knowledge, and develop informed approaches to violence prevention. Grounded in both research and real-world insight, the team engaged with national experts and studied evidence-based models to guide its work. Over time, CVIT expanded its scope, hosted public summits, and strengthened cross-sector partnerships. Today, CVIT stands as a regional leader in violence intervention, committed to advancing shared understanding, centering community voices, and implementing data-driven, sustainable solutions.

OUR VALUES

The Community Violence Intervention Team (CVIT) values life, healing, and accountability. Rooted in lived experience and collaboration, we address violence as a public health issue that’s preventable through empathy, community action, and strategic intervention.

CVIT Founders

Derrick Jackson

Lois Allen Richardson

14 Reccomendations

  1. Set a clear goal and commit to saving lives by stopping violence.
  2. Identify key people and places driving violence by using Data Analysis.
  3. Create a plan for engaging key people and places by building a coordinated system that involves street outreach, enforcement, and services.
  4. Engage key people with empathy and accountability by offering alternatives to violence.
  5. Address high violence locations using short term police action to reduce violence.
  6. Establish a permanent unit with senior leadership reporting directly to local government leadership to oversee violence reduction.
  7. Emphasize healing with trauma informed approaches and extend this understanding to police and frontline workers as well.

8. Train and support the specialized workforce required to intervene in violent situations and prevent retaliation.

9. Allocate funding for innovation and support new organizations and strategies with small grants and technical assistance.

10. Establish a commission to continue, evaluate, and adapt anti-violence efforts over time, based on evidence and learning.

11. Provide a safe space for young people—a critical need for prevention, connection, and community building.

12. Create a memorial and gathering space to honor those lost to violence and allow for healing and public reflection.

13. Develop a standardized, compassionate response protocol for supporting those affected by violent deaths.

14. Set up a rapid alert system to notify community responders when incidents of violence occur so they can respond effectively.