A Process Evaluation of a Group Violence Intervention Strategy: Lessons Learned from Implementation
Abstract
In this process evaluation we examine the implementation challenges of a Group Violence Intervention (GVI) strategy in a large Midsouth city. GVI Implementation is examined through program datasets and interviews with program implementors and stakeholders, including strategy leaders, service providers, and participating law enforcement officers. We also use systematic observations of strategy procedures to gain an understanding of program implementation. A summary of program data and findings from a thematic analysis of notes from interviews and observations revealed the following themes around implementation: forming collaborative networks, information collection and sharing as necessary to strategy success, a consistent difficulty contacting at-risk individuals, local city or county support as paramount, and a complex relationship between violence interventionists and law enforcement officers. These themes indicate continued challenges related to the strategy design and highlight continued barriers to the evaluability of Community Violence Intervention (CVI) strategies like GVIs. Findings point to barriers like reliability of strategy datasets, the feasibility of data collection amongst supporting entities, and how variability in strategy design and implementation influences the generalizability of the evidence base. This evaluation provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of implementing GVI strategies in urban settings, offering lessons for policymakers and practitioners in CVI.
Publication Title
Justice Evaluation Journal
Recommended Citation
Rief, R., Lara, R., & Iratzoqui, A. (2025). A Process Evaluation of a Group Violence Intervention Strategy: Lessons Learned from Implementation. Justice Evaluation Journal https://doi.org/10.1080/24751979.2025.2567851
