Dayton establishes program to combat rise in violent crimes

DAYTON, Ohio ( WDTN ) — Violent crimes in the city of Dayton have been on the rise for months, and city leaders say they are doing more to find a solution.

During this week’s City Commission meeting, a new plan was unveiled to help reduce crime. City leaders say the violence interrupters program is a new plan to try and decrease crime, by putting resources into the neighborhoods most impacted by crime.

“As things are bubbling up, as things are potentially on the brink of escalating, they are there,” said Darius Backham, senior policy aid for Mayor Jeffrey Mims Jr.

The Interrupters will be sent to neighborhoods when shootings, carjackings, and other violent crimes happen. Their job is to connect with families and others who may be at risk of continuing the violence through retaliation and other means.

Officials say this program has worked in other big cities, local leaders believe it could also work for the Gem City.

“The violence interruption model is working around the clock, right? Consistently trying to de-escalate situations that could turn into a violent crime,” said Backham.

In Wednesday’s work session, the Commission revealed year-to-date numbers for violence crimes happening in Dayton. Dayton PD reports shootings happening inside of a home increased nearly 20% citywide compared to 2023.

Most of those reported incidents happened on the west side, and city leaders say that’s where this program will focus it’s attention.

Residents say they believe the new program is promising, and will increase safety in high-crime areas.

“But I think the people that live there or the people that have the troubles have a real idea sometimes how to fix them,” said Mike Hamilton, local resident.

Hamilton says it’s important to incorporate community feedback into these kinds of programs. He says inclusion will be crucial in making the city’s plan successful.

“Yeah, sometimes it’s good to get another set of eyes on something,” said Hamilton. “There’s different opinions or different ideas that can come in from outside sources.”

The city is now accepting proposals from community-based organizations who would like to help with the initiative. They plan to award a contract for the program in January 2025.

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