The Providence Streetworkers program got some well-deserved kudos in yesterday's ProJo. Andy Rosenzweig didn't say it, but the traditional ethos of crime and punishment is part of what makes it difficult to launch and sustain this kind of effort. In other words, it's hard to document how many shootings and other crimes are prevented through intervention.
Perhaps this kind of recognition, though, and Providence's success in reducing violent crime will build growing support. Considering how Boston has experienced a dramatic increase in homicides, it's hard to argue with the kind of success we've seen locally.
I've known Teny Gross since we were both working in the Boston area, and I have a lot of regard for his efforts. Here's my own story from a few years back on the Streetworkers.