Governor Shapiro Highlights Investments in Violence Intervention and Prevention Program to Reduce Crime and Create Opportunities for Young Pennsylvanians

Strategic Insights -

Governor Josh Shapiro visited Beyond the Bars, a nonprofit that empowers youth through music and leadership development, to highlight the impact of community-based programs supported by the Commonwealth, such as the Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program. Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has increased support for community-based violence prevention and intervention initiatives by 40 percent. He has invested in law enforcement and community-based efforts to reduce violence, and is committed to finding commonsense solutions to pressing issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • Governor Shapiro has invested over $600 million in public safety, including $85 million in VIP grants to more than 130 projects across Pennsylvania.
  • The Violence Intervention and Prevention program, administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), has provided more than $530,000 in support to Beyond the Bars.
  • Beyond the Bars has grown significantly thanks to the support from the Commonwealth's VIP program, from 40 sites to 56 music labs in schools, shelters, trauma clinics, foster care settings, and diversion programs across Philadelphia.
  • The Shapiro Administration has increased support for community-based violence prevention and intervention initiatives by 40 percent during Shapiro's time in office.
  • Governor Shapiro's commitment to public safety includes support for more than 130 community-based programs like Beyond the Bars through the Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program.
  • The Shapiro Administration has invested in law enforcement and community-based efforts to reduce violence, including funding to train over 800 new Pennsylvania State Police troopers and establishing the Pennsylvania Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
  • Gun violence is down 42 percent and gun deaths by firearm are down 38 percent across Pennsylvania since Governor Shapiro took office.
  • Violent crime declined nearly 12 percent compared to 2022 in 2024 alone.

Statistics:

  • Governor Shapiro invested over $600 million in public safety.
  • The Violence Intervention and Prevention program provided more than $85 million in grants to over 130 projects across Pennsylvania.
  • Beyond the Bars received a $285,000 grant in January 2025 to expand its "Ecosystem of Support" program to 56 music labs.
  • The nonprofit started in 2015 as a single music program inside a city jail and now partners with over 35 organizations to provide wraparound services to youth.
  • Gun violence is down 42 percent and gun deaths by firearm are down 38 percent across Pennsylvania since Governor Shapiro took office.
  • Violent crime declined nearly 12 percent compared to 2022 in 2024 alone.

Sources:

  • Shapiro Administration, "In Philadelphia, Governor Shapiro Highlights Investments in Violence Intervention and Prevention Program to Reduce Crime and Create Opportunities for Young Pennsylvanians" (August 1, 2025)
  • Shapiro Administration, "Investing in Safer Communities For All" (2025)
  • Beyond the Bars, "About Us" (2025)
  • Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), "Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Program" (2025)