County Executive David Crowley Hosts Public Safety Roundtable on Community Violence Intervention Efforts

On Monday, January 26, 2026, County Executive David Crowley led a discussion to highlight the Credible Messenger Program that aims to improve public safety and support local youth involved in the justice system through expanding mentorship, resources, and job opportunities. During the roundtable at the Marcia P. Coggs Health & Human Services Center, County Executive Crowley was joined by community partners, local leaders, and representatives from the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to discuss how to continue addressing public safety challenges through community violence intervention initiatives, youth engagement efforts, and greater partnership with state and federal leaders.

The Credible Messenger Program promotes public safety by intervening in gun violence and supports positive outcomes for youth, with an emphasis on those in the youth justice system. Since its inception, the program has worked with youth at all points of system involvement by coordinating with partners—community-based organizations, public health entities, academic institutions and government agencies—and is staffed by individuals with lived experience and previous justice involvement who support youth through transformative mentoring.

In its first year, youth involved in the program reported a 77 percent success rate for recidivism and pro-social behavior. The program has served more than 280 youth since its inception, partnering with six community agencies including an all-girls intervention team.

The program’s focus on transformative mentorship has been notably effective, with 66 percent of the youth receiving at least 26 weeks of mentoring—essential for positive outcomes according to research, delivering more than 2,000 combined hours of mentoring in 2023. The collaborative effort includes Milwaukee Community Crossroads, Youth Advocate Program, GLOW414, Running Rebels, Westcare Wisconsin, and 414Life.

The success of the Credible Messenger Program underscores the value of community-based approaches in creating safer, more supportive environments for Milwaukee County’s youth. Learn more about the Credible Messenger Program at https://county.milwaukee.gov/EN/DHHS/Children-and-Young-Adults-Services/Youth-Justice/Credible-Messengers.