Proof in the Numbers: Tracking Change To Save Lives

About this episode

The episode discusses the successful implementation of Group Violence Intervention in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, leading to a significant reduction in juvenile homicides.

Send us Fan Mail "When violence drops, hope rises." These powerful words capture the remarkable transformation occurring in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where an innovative approach called Group Violence Intervention (GVI) has helped the city achieve over 500 consecutive days without a juvenile homicide. Once regularly appearing on lists of America's most dangerous places, Pine Bluff is now becoming a model for how smaller communities can effectively combat gun violence. Dr. Tusty ten Bensel, a cri...

People in this episode

Guest: Dr. Tusty ten Bensel

Topics covered

• gun violence
• community intervention
• juvenile homicide
• public safety
• social change

Keywords

• Group Violence Intervention
• Pine Bluff
• gun violence
• juvenile homicide
• community safety

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Pine Bluff, Arkansas, America

More episodes of Smart Justice

• The Commitment: Pulaski County Funds Group Violence Intervention · December 4, 2025 · 21 min
• The Impact of Violence on Children and Families · September 25, 2025 · 23 min
• How Fort Worth Is Reducing Shootings · September 18, 2025 · 15 min
• Silencing the Sirens: Voices That Save Lives · September 11, 2025 · 12 min
• Mothers Who Lost Sons Share Their Journey Through Grief and Hope · September 4, 2025 · 49 min
• How Credible Messengers Save Lives · August 28, 2025 · 14 min