In 2021, Indianapolis was facing one of the highest homicide spikes in the nation. By 2024, the city had reduced criminal homicides by an astounding 54%.
In Episode 2 of our series A Shot at Hope, Smart Justice travels to Indiana to explore a bold strategy that’s transforming how cities tackle gun violence. Known as Indy Peace, the city’s violence reduction model is a three-pronged approach built on intervention, prevention, and neighborhood stabilization—and it’s getting national attention.
The shift in Indianapolis began when city leaders studied the Group Violence Intervention (GVI) model used in Oakland and brought in outside consultants to help understand the scope of their problem. Over two years, the consultants conducted interviews, reviewed cases, and identified a pattern: roughly 200 to 300 people were driving most of the violence in the city.
The strategy that followed was not simply about enforcement—it was about focusing services and support on those most at risk, before another shot is fired.
“I tell law enforcement, ‘Give me 12 to 18 months to work with them and I can get them off your list of offenders',” explained Tony Lopez, who helps lead the intervention work.
The approach includes cognitive behavioral therapy, life coaching, and wraparound services like housing and employment support. Participants are incentivized for hitting key milestones like maintaining employment, completing life skills programs, or avoiding re-arrest.
The violence intervention strategy works in close coordination with law enforcement—not in opposition to it.
“Everybody thinks it’s a hard partnership, but it’s a partnership you need,” Lopez said. “They keep arresting the same people. We say—give us a shot to change their lives.”
The work doesn’t stop at the street level. Ralph Durrett Jr., who leads the youth violence prevention efforts, stressed the need for cultural and systemic change as well.
“Violence isn’t just about the act—it’s about mindset, environment, and opportunity,” he said. “If we don’t impact the culture surrounding a young person, we’re not going to have lasting change.”
The city backed the strategy with $150 million in funding over three years, including direct support for individuals in the program.
Throughout the episode, Lopez and Durrett emphasize that Indianapolis is not simply “hiring felons” or “soft on crime”—they’re investing in community-based workers with lived experience who know the city, understand the pain, and are committed to the long game.
“This work is 24/7,” Lopez said. “It’s not a quick fix. But if you trust the process and invest in the culture, cities can see results.”
Smart Justice is a magazine, podcast, and continuing news coverage from the nonprofit Restore Hope and covers the pursuit of better outcomes on justice system-related issues, such as child welfare, incarceration, and juvenile justice. Our coverage is solutions-oriented, focusing on the innovative ways in which communities are solving issues and the lessons that have been learned as a result of successes and challenges.
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