San Francisco officials outline violence prevention plan centered on 'Alive and Free' prescription

San Francisco officials presented details of the city's recently adopted Violence Prevention Plan to the Police Commission on Aug. 13, describing a strategy that treats violence as a public-health problem and centers on the Alive and Free behavior-change prescription.

Maya Dillard Smith, the mayor's director of violence prevention, told commissioners the plan grew from an 18-month process engaging community stakeholders, city agencies, faith leaders and academic partners. "This plan outlines a new strategic framework to reduce violence that provides renewed attention to outcomes and coordination," she said, noting the plan is outcomes-oriented and seeks measurable reductions in recidivism and improvements in literacy and employment.

The plan proposes neighborhood action councils tied to SFPD zone boundaries, an…