Gun Violence Reduction Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

The Gun Violence Reduction Program is an effort by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office to use the arts and social media to supplement legal efforts to reduce the gun violence that is all too prevalent throughout the county. Using drug forfeiture money, a playwright, actors, a videographer and a digital strategy company were hired to produce a play and separate 30-second videos to engage young people in a discussion about preventing gun violence. Staff from the county attorney’s office were trained to lead discussions with students after the play was performed in their school. A backdrop with the website and hashtag for the gun violence reduction campaign was developed to take to the schools and events.