Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Contrarian has publicly criticized community violence intervention programs, labeling them as "fraudulent, ineffective, and counterproductive." This announcement was made on the social media platform X.

Community Violence Intervention (CVI) programs are strategies informed by public health principles. They employ outreach workers, often referred to as violence interrupters or credible messengers, to mediate conflicts before they escalate into violence. These initiatives aim to reduce shootings and rebuild trust within high-crime neighborhoods. According to the Crime Lab at the University of Chicago, CVI programs utilize behavioral-science-informed outreach methods to "de-escalate stressful situations before they lead to violence."

The Chicago Contrarian asserted that CVIs "do not drive down or prevent violence" and claimed these groups "actually interfere with police investigations, shield criminals from arrest, and refuse to cooperate with CPD." In a post shared on X on September 3, they said bluntly, "Violence interrupters are a complete fraud."

The outlet further alleged that many individuals employed as "peacekeepers"—another term for violence interrupters—are convicted felons or gang-affiliated individuals who continue criminal behavior under this guise. It also claimed that some fail to even show up for work. This assertion echoes earlier commentary by the Chicago Contrarian stating that "anti-violence programs are completely fraudulent," despite receiving nearly $100 million in taxpayer grants.

Chicago Contrarian is a commentary platform based in Chicago known for its critical stance on urban governance, public safety initiatives, and reform efforts. The outlet frequently publishes analyses challenging established approaches to policing and community intervention, often sparking debate on controversial local policies. Its recent commentary on CVIs exemplifies its confrontational style.