Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction
@vrcinfo.bsky.social
The Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction (the VRC) at the University of Maryland translates sound science into practical anti-violence policy.
The VRC brought together 70 participants and 18 speakers to explore strategies for reducing social media's impact on community violence. Panelists included youth, law enforcement, community organizations, and researchers.
Look for our white paper later this month with insights and recommendations.
Look for our white paper later this month with insights and recommendations.
February 2, 2026 at 8:00 PM
The VRC brought together 70 participants and 18 speakers to explore strategies for reducing social media's impact on community violence. Panelists included youth, law enforcement, community organizations, and researchers.
Look for our white paper later this month with insights and recommendations.
Look for our white paper later this month with insights and recommendations.
The National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform's Group Violence Reduction Strategy includes combining data-driven identification, respectful engagement, intensive relationship-based supports, focused enforcement when necessary, and performance tracking. Read here: nicjr.org/files/galler...
nicjr.org
January 30, 2026 at 7:43 PM
The National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform's Group Violence Reduction Strategy includes combining data-driven identification, respectful engagement, intensive relationship-based supports, focused enforcement when necessary, and performance tracking. Read here: nicjr.org/files/galler...
@ucdaviscvp.bsky.social spoke with 45 community violence prevention specialists (CVPS) to explore their role in preventing violence. Their proximity and perspective provide valuable guidance to inform and strengthen violence reduction efforts. Read more: journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Community-Based Violence Intervention in the Aftermath of Homicide: Community Violence Prevention Specialists’ Proximity to and Perspectives on Community Safety and Healing - Julia J. Lund, Amanda J. ...
Communities impacted by homicide endure profound loss and trauma, yet the voices of those intimately acquainted with navigating its aftermath are often overlook...
journals.sagepub.com
January 29, 2026 at 11:18 PM
@ucdaviscvp.bsky.social spoke with 45 community violence prevention specialists (CVPS) to explore their role in preventing violence. Their proximity and perspective provide valuable guidance to inform and strengthen violence reduction efforts. Read more: journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Check out VRC Director @thomasabt.bsky.social interview on the Chris and Amy show on @kmoxnews.bsky.social, where he discusses St. Louis's encouraging progress in violence reduction through the regional Save Lives Now! initiative.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sHN...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sHN...
The Chris & Amy Show 1-13-26
YouTube video by KMOX
www.youtube.com
January 23, 2026 at 5:49 PM
Check out VRC Director @thomasabt.bsky.social interview on the Chris and Amy show on @kmoxnews.bsky.social, where he discusses St. Louis's encouraging progress in violence reduction through the regional Save Lives Now! initiative.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sHN...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sHN...
An important new report from the Council on Criminal Justice on the continued decline of crime rates in 40 U.S. cities:
OUT TODAY: New CCJ report finds crime rates continued to fall in 2025. With homicides down 21%, the 2025 homicide rate may reach its lowest level in more than a century. Explore the full analysis of crime trends in 40 U.S. cities: counciloncj.org/crime-trends...
January 23, 2026 at 1:31 PM
An important new report from the Council on Criminal Justice on the continued decline of crime rates in 40 U.S. cities:
Reposted by Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction
Agree with this. @vrcinfo.bsky.social and others have been pushing these polices for the past few years and it's made a difference. Read the whole @nytimes.com piece, based on the @counciloncj.org's excellent new report. counciloncj.org/crime-trends...
January 22, 2026 at 9:39 PM
Agree with this. @vrcinfo.bsky.social and others have been pushing these polices for the past few years and it's made a difference. Read the whole @nytimes.com piece, based on the @counciloncj.org's excellent new report. counciloncj.org/crime-trends...
The National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform released The Successful Gun Violence Reduction Strategy, outlining an evidence-based approach that supports sustained reductions in gun violence nationwide.
Learn how cities use data to create safer communities.
Read: nicjr.org/files/galler...
Learn how cities use data to create safer communities.
Read: nicjr.org/files/galler...
nicjr.org
January 20, 2026 at 5:58 PM
The National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform released The Successful Gun Violence Reduction Strategy, outlining an evidence-based approach that supports sustained reductions in gun violence nationwide.
Learn how cities use data to create safer communities.
Read: nicjr.org/files/galler...
Learn how cities use data to create safer communities.
Read: nicjr.org/files/galler...
The VRC recognizes Knoxville’s progress in public safety. According to preliminary 2025 crime data, homicides declined 26%, reaching the city's lowest total since 2016. Non-fatal shootings fell 27% in 2025, following a 45% reduction the prior year.
Report: knoxvilletnpolice.gov/wp-content/u...
Report: knoxvilletnpolice.gov/wp-content/u...
knoxvilletnpolice.gov
January 16, 2026 at 5:06 PM
The VRC recognizes Knoxville’s progress in public safety. According to preliminary 2025 crime data, homicides declined 26%, reaching the city's lowest total since 2016. Non-fatal shootings fell 27% in 2025, following a 45% reduction the prior year.
Report: knoxvilletnpolice.gov/wp-content/u...
Report: knoxvilletnpolice.gov/wp-content/u...
St.Louis reached its lowest homicide total since 2013. These ongoing reductions reflect regional collaboration, including St. Louis’s adoption of the evidence-based Save Lives Now! initiative to reduce homicides. The VRC is proud to support these efforts.
Read here: www.stltoday.com/news/local/c...
Read here: www.stltoday.com/news/local/c...
Messenger: Crime is down again in St. Louis. Why aren't we talking about it?
"Save Lives Now!" and other efforts are taking root. St. Louis elected and corporate leaders should be talking about it.
www.stltoday.com
January 14, 2026 at 5:19 PM
St.Louis reached its lowest homicide total since 2013. These ongoing reductions reflect regional collaboration, including St. Louis’s adoption of the evidence-based Save Lives Now! initiative to reduce homicides. The VRC is proud to support these efforts.
Read here: www.stltoday.com/news/local/c...
Read here: www.stltoday.com/news/local/c...
In 2025 the VRC deepened its impact. Highlights included hosting the Social Media Symposium; expanding partnerships to five cities, including Memphis and @atlantageorgia.bsky.social; presenting at the American Society of Criminology conference; and welcoming our Deputy Director.
A year of growth!
A year of growth!
January 12, 2026 at 5:20 PM
In 2025 the VRC deepened its impact. Highlights included hosting the Social Media Symposium; expanding partnerships to five cities, including Memphis and @atlantageorgia.bsky.social; presenting at the American Society of Criminology conference; and welcoming our Deputy Director.
A year of growth!
A year of growth!
VRC Director @thomasabt.bsky.social recently spoke with @michelmartinnpr.bsky.social on @npr.org about violence reduction in Baltimore and nationwide. Across the country, evidence-informed, community-informed strategies are having an impact. www.npr.org/2026/01/01/n....
Baltimore's crime rate dropped dramatically in 2025. A look at what the city did
Baltimore's crime rate dropped dramatically in the past year. NPR's Michel Martin asks Thomas Abt, a criminology professor at the University of Maryland, what Baltimore did right.
www.npr.org
January 6, 2026 at 5:23 PM
VRC Director @thomasabt.bsky.social recently spoke with @michelmartinnpr.bsky.social on @npr.org about violence reduction in Baltimore and nationwide. Across the country, evidence-informed, community-informed strategies are having an impact. www.npr.org/2026/01/01/n....
Reposted by Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction
Looking at the historic reduction in US homicides from many angles. I appreciate the Real-Time Crime Index data - 12-month rolling trends for 570 cities 2018-2025. But this graph from U Chicago Crime Lab made me appreciate what Baltimore and St Louis have accomplished from their peak to 2025.
December 23, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Looking at the historic reduction in US homicides from many angles. I appreciate the Real-Time Crime Index data - 12-month rolling trends for 570 cities 2018-2025. But this graph from U Chicago Crime Lab made me appreciate what Baltimore and St Louis have accomplished from their peak to 2025.
Reposted by Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction
Here are 2 great articles on Baltimore, a city on track to have the lowest annual homicides since the 70s. The 1st focuses on the city's highly success GVRS strategy and law enforcement, the 2nd emphasizes proven supports and services. Both are critically important.
December 29, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Here are 2 great articles on Baltimore, a city on track to have the lowest annual homicides since the 70s. The 1st focuses on the city's highly success GVRS strategy and law enforcement, the 2nd emphasizes proven supports and services. Both are critically important.
Reposted by Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction
2025 will be historic in terms of crime and violence reduction. Murder will drop by the largest one-year percentage ever recorded and fall to levels we haven't seen since the 60s.
Crime in the US almost certainly fell at a historic clip in 2025 led by the largest drop in murder ever recorded. The US likely had the lowest murder & property crime rates since at least 1960 & lowest violent crime rate since the mid-60s. My year in review:
jasher.substack.com/p/2025-year-...
jasher.substack.com/p/2025-year-...
2025 Year in Review: A Remarkable Drop In Crime
Crime almost certainly fell an enormous amount in 2025.
jasher.substack.com
December 22, 2025 at 5:29 PM
2025 will be historic in terms of crime and violence reduction. Murder will drop by the largest one-year percentage ever recorded and fall to levels we haven't seen since the 60s.
It was a full house last night! The VRC is energized by the thoughtful dialogue helping shape public safety. We appreciate everyone who joined, including representatives from @durhamcounty.bsky.social and @cityofdurhamnc.bsky.social. Photos feature Mayor Leonardo Williams and @thomasabt.bsky.social.
December 18, 2025 at 7:50 PM
It was a full house last night! The VRC is energized by the thoughtful dialogue helping shape public safety. We appreciate everyone who joined, including representatives from @durhamcounty.bsky.social and @cityofdurhamnc.bsky.social. Photos feature Mayor Leonardo Williams and @thomasabt.bsky.social.
The VRC is excited to join @cityofdurhamnc.bsky.social and @durhamcounty.bsky.social's strategy and learning session on violence reduction. @thomasabt.bsky.social will present highlighting how data-driven, community-centered interventions can reduce violence. We look forward to the conversation.
December 16, 2025 at 9:19 PM
The VRC is excited to join @cityofdurhamnc.bsky.social and @durhamcounty.bsky.social's strategy and learning session on violence reduction. @thomasabt.bsky.social will present highlighting how data-driven, community-centered interventions can reduce violence. We look forward to the conversation.
We’re excited to welcome Amber Parker as the VRC’s new Deputy Director! Amber brings decades of experience in justice reform, violence prevention, and community safety, having worked across federal, state, and local systems. Read the full announcement below! www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
December 15, 2025 at 3:15 PM
We’re excited to welcome Amber Parker as the VRC’s new Deputy Director! Amber brings decades of experience in justice reform, violence prevention, and community safety, having worked across federal, state, and local systems. Read the full announcement below! www.linkedin.com/feed/update/...
The Violence Reduction Center is excited to join @cityofdurhamnc.bsky.social and @durhamcounty.bsky.social as they launch the first phase of their Violence Reduction Plan. We’re grateful to be part of this effort to build a safer future for all communities. Read here: hoodline.com/2025/12/durh...
Durham Invites Residents to Informative Session on Violence Reduction with Expert Thomas Abt at County Public Library
Durham is launching its Violence Reduction Plan with a public session featuring expert Thomas Abt at the Durham County Public Library on December 17, aimed at addressing the city's violence issues.
hoodline.com
December 12, 2025 at 5:37 PM
The Violence Reduction Center is excited to join @cityofdurhamnc.bsky.social and @durhamcounty.bsky.social as they launch the first phase of their Violence Reduction Plan. We’re grateful to be part of this effort to build a safer future for all communities. Read here: hoodline.com/2025/12/durh...
“What if I told you social media isn’t just a platform but a neighborhood?"- @dupatton.bsky.social, keynote speaker at our symposium. A leading researcher on social media and community gun violence, his work is reshaping how we approach digital spaces in violence prevention. White paper coming soon!
December 4, 2025 at 7:52 PM
“What if I told you social media isn’t just a platform but a neighborhood?"- @dupatton.bsky.social, keynote speaker at our symposium. A leading researcher on social media and community gun violence, his work is reshaping how we approach digital spaces in violence prevention. White paper coming soon!
This #GivingTuesday, join us in helping cities save lives by stopping violence. Our partners are outperforming national averages for violence reduction, and our research is moving the field towards approaches that are both effective and fair. Donate now! giving.umd.edu/make-a-gift?...
December 2, 2025 at 1:49 PM
This #GivingTuesday, join us in helping cities save lives by stopping violence. Our partners are outperforming national averages for violence reduction, and our research is moving the field towards approaches that are both effective and fair. Donate now! giving.umd.edu/make-a-gift?...
A thoughtful op-ed from @startribune.com highlighting the framework Director @thomasabt.bsky.social presents in Bleeding Out. Addressing violence effectively requires focus, balance, and fairness. Read here: www.startribune.com/twin-cities-...
Opinion | Stop the Bleeding: A proven plan for violence reduction in Minneapolis
Any deterrence plan must be focused, balanced and fair. The consent decree won’t suffice. But cities like Boston and Oakland offer templates, law professor Francis X. Shen writes.
www.startribune.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:09 PM
A thoughtful op-ed from @startribune.com highlighting the framework Director @thomasabt.bsky.social presents in Bleeding Out. Addressing violence effectively requires focus, balance, and fairness. Read here: www.startribune.com/twin-cities-...
Reposted by Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction
Detroit is looking for a new Director of Community Violence Intervention. See the link below. www.risehigherdetroit.com/jobs
Job Opportunities | Join Detroit's Future Today — Rise Higher Detroit
Explore job opportunities with Rise Higher Detroit and contribute to the city's future. Join our team and help shape Detroit's next chapter.
www.risehigherdetroit.com
November 30, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Detroit is looking for a new Director of Community Violence Intervention. See the link below. www.risehigherdetroit.com/jobs
VRC Director, @thomasabt.bsky.social highlighted the VRC's white paper on Community Violence Problem Analysis (CVPA) at the National Research Conference for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms. CVPA is a key tool to reduce fatal & nonfatal shootings.
Read here: vrc.umd.edu/sites/vrc.um...
Read here: vrc.umd.edu/sites/vrc.um...
vrc.umd.edu
November 24, 2025 at 9:06 PM
VRC Director, @thomasabt.bsky.social highlighted the VRC's white paper on Community Violence Problem Analysis (CVPA) at the National Research Conference for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms. CVPA is a key tool to reduce fatal & nonfatal shootings.
Read here: vrc.umd.edu/sites/vrc.um...
Read here: vrc.umd.edu/sites/vrc.um...
Reposted by Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction
Very pleased to see Knoxville's Project TLC recognized by both
@bloombergcities.bsky.social and the IACP (links below). Kudos to Mayor Kincannon, Chief Noel, LaKenya Middlebrook and all the amazing folks who helped make it happen. The @vrcinfo.bsky.social is proud to partner with you!
@bloombergcities.bsky.social and the IACP (links below). Kudos to Mayor Kincannon, Chief Noel, LaKenya Middlebrook and all the amazing folks who helped make it happen. The @vrcinfo.bsky.social is proud to partner with you!
November 24, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Very pleased to see Knoxville's Project TLC recognized by both
@bloombergcities.bsky.social and the IACP (links below). Kudos to Mayor Kincannon, Chief Noel, LaKenya Middlebrook and all the amazing folks who helped make it happen. The @vrcinfo.bsky.social is proud to partner with you!
@bloombergcities.bsky.social and the IACP (links below). Kudos to Mayor Kincannon, Chief Noel, LaKenya Middlebrook and all the amazing folks who helped make it happen. The @vrcinfo.bsky.social is proud to partner with you!
Decades of rigorous research on gun violence interventions exist, but evidence is scattered. An updated meta-review is underway and was highlighted at the 2025 National Research Conference for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms by
@thomasabt.bsky.social.
Campbell Protocol: tinyurl.com/653rdh4d
@thomasabt.bsky.social.
Campbell Protocol: tinyurl.com/653rdh4d
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
November 21, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Decades of rigorous research on gun violence interventions exist, but evidence is scattered. An updated meta-review is underway and was highlighted at the 2025 National Research Conference for the Prevention of Firearm-Related Harms by
@thomasabt.bsky.social.
Campbell Protocol: tinyurl.com/653rdh4d
@thomasabt.bsky.social.
Campbell Protocol: tinyurl.com/653rdh4d