Call-Ins: A Critical Tool in Group Violence Intervention

Officials in Pine Bluff are continuing to train on and implement an evidence-based strategy to reduce gun violence—an approach that has already shown success in lowering juvenile violence in the city. Deb Higens, a former deputy sheriff and consultant with the National Network for Safe Communities, emphasized the importance of a key component of this strategy known as the "call-in." Higens addressed members of Pine Bluff’s Group Violence Intervention (GVI) team, which includes representatives from law enforcement, education, and the faith community.

GVI is a data-driven approach that identifies and engages individuals most at risk of violence. At the heart of this strategy is the call-in, a carefully orchestrated meeting designed to deliver a powerful, life-changing message to those involved in group-related violence. During this intervention meeting, individuals identified as being at the highest risk of involvement in gun violence—either as perpetrators or victims—are brought together and offered a clear choice: stop the violence and accept help or face swift legal consequences.

“The message is: we’ll help you if you let us, we’ll stop you if you make us,” said Higens.

Unlike traditional policing approaches, the call-in is not just about enforcement—it is about offering a way out. Participants are given immediate access to services, including job training, housing support, mental health counseling, and substance abuse treatment. The goal is to provide an off-ramp from violence while making it clear that further involvement in gun-related crime will result in serious legal action.

Higens explained that, based on their research, group dynamics usually drive violence in a city. She noted most violent actors in a community tend to be involved with a group that is small in number and identifiable. These small groups commit a large part of the overall violence, usually 50-75%. Therefore, these focused deterrence strategies are often effective, she noted.

Studies have also shown that exposure to violence, especially through close connections to victims of shootings or homicide, dramatically increases a person’s risk of becoming a victim of violence themselves. Higens said that their risk is increased by up to 900%. This is usually driven by retaliatory violence and the cycles of trauma seen in communities.

Higens said the framework for GVI involves a partnership of community leaders, social service providers, and law enforcement standing and acting together. She said these partners work together to communicate core messages and that, by doing so, the following are created:

• A credible community moral message against violence

• A genuine offer of help and support for people who want it

• A credible law enforcement message about the legal consequences of further violence

The three-day training ended with a peace walk and prayer at Family Church's Pine Bluff campus.

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