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Stockton Violence Prevention Office Geared Toward Curbing City's History Of Gangs, Homicides

STOCKTON (CBS13) — Stockton's newly created Office of Violence Prevention is the first of its kind in the country. The goal is to put a stop to the city's long history of gangs and homicides.

Jessica Glynn was selected by the City Manager and members of the Marshal Plan to head the new department. Glynn has worked in Kosovo, the border town of Harlingen, Texas, and recently New York City. City Hall spokesperson Connie Cochran said city staff wanted to hire an outsider in order to look objectively at Stockton's crime history and the organizations, which can provide outreach support.

"I think it's 80 percent of the crime being committed has some sort of gang affiliation," said Glynn. "Our program is focused on the most violent offenders or those most at risk of either committing a homicide or being the victim of a homicide."

The Stockton Police Department will handle investigations and gathering crime reports and statistics. Glynn will handle working towards long term solutions to gang recruitment and criminal recidivism. Glynn said Harvard and Standford University researchers collect Stockton's crime data and her job is to analyze it. She then sets up community and educational outreach partners to help the city develop sustainable programs to turn gang members' lives in a positive direction.

"They can't just walk into a DMV and apply for a drivers' license," said Glynn. "They need someone to help them with the skills to get them to that point."

Stockton is currently working with Peacekeepers, Friends Outside, El Concilio, the San Joaquin County Behavioral Health, and Worknet on the Operation Ceasefire's Call Ins. Going on since April 2013, the police will invite 10 to 15 known gang members to a confidential meeting with city leaders and community organizations. The city offers these gang members services to change their lives around if they give up their guns.

"There is a fair amount of hand holding with some individuals," said Worknet deputy director Rick Aguilera. "Others are self-motivated. We help them with work shops on how to interview for jobs, filling out applications, and we help those individuals actually find jobs."

Glynn said she's preparing for the next police Call In this February.

Stockton City Hall said Glynn's position is long-term.

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