Village TakebackInterrupting the arrest and incarceration cycle
We engage, train and hire formerly incarcerated people to design and implement community-led public safety and conflict mediation — without police or prosecution.
We interrupt the arrest and incarceration cycle by engaging, training and hiring community members in community-led public safety and conflict mediation that does not involve police and prosecution. We advocate for community members to call on our staff when they have a conflict or need help.
If and when police become involved, we advocate for people to be released pre-booking at the precinct. If and when someone is arrested and incarcerated, we work with People’s Bail Out, who pays their bail — and then we provide the support necessary for their smooth return home and eventual case dismissal.
- 150+
- youth and young adults diverted from the criminal legal system
- 300+
- people given post-bail support: food, housing, rent, care, work
- 15
- “We Make Us Safe” trainings on community-led responses to harm
Every exit off the incarceration track.
At each point where the system would take someone, the Village steps in first.
- Step 1Conflict or need
Community members call our staff — not the police.
- Step 2If police get involved
We advocate for release pre-booking, at the precinct.
- Step 3If someone is arrested
People’s Bail Out pays their bail.
- Step 4Once they’re home
Housing, food, medical care, rent, transportation, work and mediation.
- Step 5The goal
A smooth return home and eventual case dismissal.