This is the story of cops, African-American pastors, gang members, and academics coming together to create positive change for Boston, while upending notions of traditional policing in a way that is especially pertinent today.

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In partnership with The New Yorker

Operation Ceasefire: Inside a Community's Radical Approach to Gang Violence

Producer: Meral Agish
Director: Scott Michels

This documentary explores whether it is possible to bring about real change when distrust and resentment have poisoned a community. Thirty years ago, a sensational murder case, allegations of excessive police force, and public outrage over stop-and-frisk policing in minority neighborhoods brought Boston to the brink of crisis. What happened next would defy stereotypes and expectations. Drawing on dramatic archival footage and candid interviews, Operation Ceasefire is a story of people who distrusted each other – cops, African-American pastors, gang members, and liberal academics – coming together to change the city, and upending notions of traditional policing in a way that is especially relevant today.

Transcript