Breaking Cycles of Violence Through Peer Support and Services
ALBUQUERQUE – In the fight to reduce violence and promote community well-being, Albuquerque Community Safety’s (ACS) Violence Intervention Program (VIP) is providing proactive support to those at risk of engaging in violent behavior and working to reduce violent crime across the city.
Introduced in 2020, the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) aims to reduce gun violence by working directly with individuals caught in the cycles of violence. The program engages participants to prevent retaliation and promote safety. To date, VIP has reached out to more than 1,287 individuals in Albuquerque and delivered 895 custom notifications.
Custom notifications are in person meetings with individuals at high risk of violence. During the notifications, peer support workers send a message emphasizing their value in the community, outlining legal risks, and offering pathways to resources and support. 91.5% of those who received a custom notification have not engaged in further violent crime in the past two years. VIP connects participants to conflict mediation, mental health services, and community support, all with the goal of addressing the root causes of violence before they escalate.
A key component of the program’s success is its peer support workers—individuals with lived experience who understand the realities of street violence who can provide guidance from a place of personal transformation.
One of these peer support workers is Freddie Sedillo, a former gang leader who transformed his life to help others. Born in Albuquerque and raised in Alamogordo, Sedillo was deeply involved in organized crime from a young age. After spending 18 years incarcerated and battling addiction, he made the decision in 2021 to walk away from crime for good. Following his release in 2023, he earned his Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW) certification and, after being referred by his probation officer and mentors, joined ACS in July 2024. Now, Sedillo uses his lived experience to guide others out of violence and into stability.
“I’ve walked the path of violence, but now I’m helping others find a way out,” said ACS Peer Support Worker, Freddie Sedillo. “VIP is making a real difference by meeting people’s basic needs and giving people the tools and support to leave that life behind to build a future. It’s about breaking cycles, and it works.”
"Reducing crime requires us to think outside the box, because it’s not just about enforcement, it’s about prevention,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Our Violence Intervention Program is creating real opportunities for people to break cycles of violence, rebuild their lives, and make a positive contribution to our community.
VIP collaborates with local law enforcement and community organizations to offer a comprehensive approach to violence reduction. Through peer mentorship, specialized interventions, and long-term support, the program plays a crucial role in creating lasting change for individuals, families, and future generations.
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Albuquerque Community Safety is the City of Albuquerque’s third branch of public safety. Responders take calls for service involving behavioral health, substance use, and other non-criminal and non-medical issues. Request an ACS Responder by calling 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies.