The officers met with the gang leaders and offered to negotiate a meeting between the gangs on neutral territory. Both gangs accepted the offer. When they met, the gangs not only agreed to a cease-fire, but to paint over some of their graffiti in the community. So far this summer, the alleys have remained graffiti-free, and the shootings have stopped. The rival gangs have even played basketball together on occasion.
Residents now feel it's safe to come out of their houses, and kids now play on the street.
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