Police brutality, over-enforcement of small infractions and high numbers of unsolved homicides have eroded trust in law enforcementThe lack of trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve is a major driver of gun violence in cities across the United States, a new report by the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence warns. “Sometimes taking care of yourself looks like day-to-day gun violence.”The report also spotlights examples of trends in cities like Camden, New Jersey, and Oakland, California, where community-led efforts have led to a significant decrease in gun violence rates. “Communities have the answers and can address and treat gun violence. Putting this on a national platform forces officials to wrestle with this.”In Oakland, California, gun homicides dropped 44% between 2007 and 2018, a Guardian analysis found. Photograph: Tim Hussin/The GuardianEven though Oakland has made massive strides, gun violence remains a stubborn issue throughout the city.

Source: The Guardian January 21, 2020 11:01 UTC