University of Chicago experts present 'Pivot for Peace' CVI plan to Portsmouth leaders

City leaders in Portsmouth heard a detailed presentation on community violence intervention (CVI) and a local street-intervention initiative called Pivot for Peace at a public work session on April 2, 2026. University of Chicago consultants Marcus McAllister and Dr. Chico Tillman described how CVI uses trusted messengers, hospital response and survivor networks to reduce near-term violence and urged sustained investment and formal agreements with local hospitals.

Dr. Chico Tillman, executive director of the Community Violence Intervention Leadership program at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy, told the council that CVI is "not a single program" but "a coordinated network of people, institutions, strategies working together to prevent violence and develop harm-reducing conditions." He said CVI focuses on people at the highest near-term risk — individuals whose behavior contributes…