“Community Violence Interrupters: A New Approach to Public Safety”

When four gunshots rang out one summer in Brownsville, a group of people ran toward the sound to prevent any bloodshed — but they weren’t police officers. This group, known as violence interrupters, is part of an experiment designed to place community members on the front lines, deescalating situations that law enforcement would typically respond to first.

They are the focus of “Policing Our Own,” a forthcoming documentary by screenwriter and filmmaker Dante DeBlasio. DeBlasio, 26, says he wanted to shine a light on these violence interrupters to showcase the power of alternative approaches to reaching the community.

In the 18-minute documentary, DeBlasio highlights how NYPD officer Terrell Anderson developed the Brownsville Safety Alliance (BSA) program, which allows violence interrupters to take over certain police calls.

The film primarily follows Dushoun “Bigga” Almond, a violence interrupter who turned his life around after serving time for armed robbery. Almond uses the credibility he earned on the streets to become a trusted figure in the community, defusing conflicts with his larger-than-life personality and genuine concern for others.

DeBlasio believes that these nontraditional methods can prevent deadly encounters with police officers who may not yet have earned the trust of community members or who might be interacting with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.

Other cities have documented success with violence interrupter programs. In Chicago, for instance, it’s estimated that for every dollar invested in these programs, the city saved $3 to $5, according to the Giffords Center for Violence Intervention.

Through public education on the impact of violence interrupters, DeBlasio hopes to inspire greater investment in similar initiatives. “Policing Our Own” is expected to make its public debut through a film festival, and DeBlasio is looking to partner with organizations that are willing to amplify the project.