Transforming Public Safety

A frontline guide. A field-tested philosophy. A bold call to protect what works. Transforming Public Safety is the first compact and accessible field guide written for the people doing the work of Community Violence Intervention (CVI)—those closest to the pain and promise of change. Designed in the spirit of a hands-on manual, this book equips outreach workers, violence interrupters, credible messengers, case managers, program directors, and city officials with the insights, discipline, and clarity needed to make gun violence rare and non-recurring. Written by DeVone Boggan, founder of Advance Peace and architect of the Peacemaker Fellowship®, this guide draws from more than two decades of experience transforming America’s most violent neighborhoods into zones of healing and hope. Boggan distills his proven approach into practical tools, foundational principles, and hard-earned lessons that help CVI practitioners sharpen their purpose, maintain fidelity to the work, and stay anchored in the mission when it matters most. This isn’t theory. It’s strategy, structure, and soul. Whether you’re a seasoned Neighborhood Change Agent, violence interrupter, a newly hired outreach worker, or a city leader building CVI infrastructure from the ground up, this book gives you a blueprint rooted in what actually works. It outlines what excellence looks like on the frontlines—where credibility is earned, relationships are currency, and lives hang in the balance. Inside, you’ll find: • Clear expectations that define the CVI practitioner’s role • Core values, principles, tools and techniques necessary for delivering optimal CVI outcomes for impacted communities • Strategies for maintaining personal wellness and professional integrity under pressure • A vision for CVI as essential civic infrastructure—not just a program, but a public safety necessity More than a toolkit, Transforming Public Safety is a rallying cry for those committed to doing the work right. At a time when CVI is gaining national attention—but also risks dilution—this book reinforces what must never be lost: precision, purpose, and proximity to those at the center of gun violence. Accessible to newcomers. Indispensable to veterans - This book isn’t just something to read—it’s something to carry.