Could Richmond’s controversial Advance Peace initiative be a model for the City of Stockton? After a rash of homicides, Mayor Michael Tubbs is giving it serious consideration.
To refresh your memory, Richmond’s Advance Peace Initiative is a unique crime reduction program that essentially pays criminals not to commit more crimes.
Yes, really.
It was adopted in 2007 at a time when Richmond was grappling with one of the highest violent crime rates in the nation.
Tubbs’ administration may be feeling a sense desperation. There have been 23 homicides in Stockton this year and it’s only July.
In addition to the Richmond model, Tubbs said he’ll look into a Detroit project that beefed up security camera installations.
Stockton isn’t the only city mulling a program that rewards criminals for staying out of trouble. The Sacramento City Council will vote on a similar proposal in August.
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