Dallas City Council Approves Violence Interrupter Contract
YAP, key part of mayor’s public safety agenda
DALLAS The City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a contract with Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. (YAP) to hire and train violence interrupters in the city’s underserved neighborhoods.
The violence interrupters program is a key part of Mayor Eric Johnson’s public safety agenda. The Mayor’s Task Force on Safe Communities recommended the program in its January 2020 report. In September 2020, the City Council voted to allocate $800,000 in funding to hire violence interrupters during the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
“We cannot and should not rely on police alone to stop the violent crime increases in our city,” said Mayor Johnson. “Violence interrupters, which were highly recommended by my Task Force on Safe Communities, will stop conflicts before they become violent and can help our people and our neighborhoods to grow and thrive. That is why we are thrilled to p