Anti-violence initiative in Chicago clears hurdle

A leader with an anti-violence group says a partnership with Chicago’s police department to help curb violence is finally moving forward.

CeaseFire executive director Tio Hardiman said the group has received written assurance that its workers won’t be asked to act as police informants. Hardiman said both sides agreed to a memorandum of understanding about a month after the pilot program was to have started in mid-July.

Hardiman said the police have enough informants and don’t need CeaseFire’s “violence interrupters” to serve in that role.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and other officials announced the unusual partnership earlier this year as Chicago saw a spike in the number of homicides. As part of the partnership CeaseFire is to receive a $1 million grant from the city.