National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention Communities: San Jose
The City of San José remains one of the “safest big cities in America” due in large part to the sustained efforts of the Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force (MGPTF). The MGPTF, one of San José’s leading grass-roots initiatives, and a nationally recognized model, addresses issues of gang violence, and provides support to gang-involved youth and their families. The MGPTF model brings together the appropriate individuals and organizations to discuss community safety issues and comprehensive strategies to address anti-social behavior exhibited by youth. This national model has validated the theory that collaborative efforts, spanning a broad spectrum of community partners and stakeholders can be collectively responsible and accountable for promoting the safety, health, and welfare of our youth, families, and communities. The MGPTF partners focus the majority of their efforts on promoting personal transformation, creating opportunities for youth to recognize and participate in alternatives to anti-social and violent behaviors through intervention services and new learning experiences. At the same time, an emphasis is placed on personal accountability in responding to violence and the use of fear or intimidation to exert influence in any neighborhood within the City of San José.
San Jose’s efforts have provided results. Since 2000, the rate of violent crime per 100,000 population has decreased by 38%, and there has been a 27% decrease in juvenile violent crime. Additionally, from 2009 to 2010, the number of gang-related incidents is down 34% and the number of violent gang crimes is down 20% from 2009 to 2010.
Point of Contact:
Mario Maciel
Division Manager
City of San Jose
408-794-1630
mario.maciel@sanjoseca.gov