Hartford Groups Collaborate on Summer Violence Prevention Plan

Community organizations and residents work together to promote safety and reduce crime in the city's north end.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:24am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent bullet casing on a dark, textured surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the urgency to address gun violence in Hartford.A stark, gritty image of a crime-related object highlights the need for community-driven solutions to urban violence.Hartford Today

Violence intervention leaders in Hartford are developing a comprehensive safety plan for the city and police department to consider this summer. Representatives from community groups and local residents gathered at a public safety summit to discuss strategies, including youth engagement programs and social media campaigns, aimed at preventing violence and promoting healthy communities.

Why it matters

Hartford has faced a rise in violent crime, with the north end of the city being particularly impacted. This collaborative effort between community organizations, residents, and law enforcement seeks to get ahead of potential violence this summer through proactive measures and a coordinated approach.

The details

The public safety summit opened with a sound healing experience to help address trauma from recent police shootings of men in crisis. Attendees, including representatives from the Greater Hartford Alliance of Black Social Workers and the Center for Leadership and Justice, discussed the need for healthy communities and families as a foundation for reducing violence. While there is tension between the city and police union, the organizers emphasized the importance of working together, as the police department also has 'amazing people' who can be part of the solution.

  • The public safety summit was held on Thursday, April 10, 2026.
  • Last summer, Hartford saw 4 homicides and 29 shootings, with 3 murders and 22 shootings occurring in the north end.

The players

Ken Green

A representative from the Greater Hartford Alliance of Black Social Workers.

Rev. AJ Johnson

The organizer of the public safety summit and the director of the Center for Leadership and Justice.

Jacquelyn Santiago Nazario

The CEO of Compass Youth Collaborative, a non-profit organization.

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What they’re saying

“To reduce violence, you have to have healthy community and healthy communities have healthy individuals and healthy families.”

— Ken Green, Representative, Greater Hartford Alliance of Black Social Workers

“I struggle with this as a black African American male, I struggle with those words. But I also know that the Hartford Police Department has some amazing people that work there as well. We at this time in moment, can't allow that one statement to blot out all of the good people.”

— Rev. AJ Johnson, Director, Center for Leadership and Justice

“A safe summer in Hartford, means that we don't lose more lives. We're working together to not only provide activities for these youth, but also case management and other supports that they might need so that they are not targets of violence or engaging in activities that they shouldn't be.”

— Jacquelyn Santiago Nazario, CEO, Compass Youth Collaborative

What’s next

A detailed safety plan is expected to be completed by the end of spring for submission to the city and police.

The takeaway

This collaborative effort between community organizations, residents, and law enforcement in Hartford demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the complex issue of urban violence. By focusing on healthy communities, youth engagement, and a coordinated strategy, the city aims to get ahead of potential violence and promote a safe summer for all.