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Operation Peace in Philadelphia: A Framework for the Reduction of Interpersonal Violence Involving Youth

NCJ Number
167159
Journal
Juvenile Justice Update Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: (June-July 1997) Pages: 1-2,10-12
Author(s)
C Onwuachi-Saunders; R K Ross; J J Mills; I Juzang
Date Published
1997
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Operation Peace in Philadelphia (OPP) is a community-based, city-wide initiative designed to reduce violence among youth in Philadelphia and to involve public agencies and private philanthropic organizations in the effort.
Abstract
OPP began in 1992 when the city's health commissioner Robert Ross acknowledged that interpersonal violence involving youth was adversely affecting the public's health and declared the situation a public health emergency. OPP rests on public health principles, including defining the issues, identifying and analyzing risk factors, identifying and developing interventions, and implementing and evaluating programs. The program's three components are collaboration as a foundation for a network of activities, programs, and strategies; a citywide media and awareness campaign targeted primarily at adults and youth service providers; and an innovative and practical database that encompasses both research and evaluation. Efforts under way include the development of a system for collecting data on risk factors for personal violence and information analysis to prevent future child deaths. OPP has already determined that several elements are essential to the development of a violence prevention initiative. These include constant visibility, the identification of service gaps, a long-term commitment to the process, a broad commitment to the process, and early success.