'Peacemakers' Part 2: The Interventionist

There’s been a surge of violent crime over the past year in Los Angeles. South L.A. has seen the greatest increase. South L.A. is also a place where community members often do not trust the cops. That's where Skipp Townsend come in. He works with the LAPD to stop gang-related violence before it happens. Townsend is a former gang member. That gives him credibility with people who don't trust law enforcement. As part of KCRW’s ongoing series Below The Ten, reporter David Weinberg brings us part two of a three-part series on the peacemakers of South Los Angeles.

Skipp Townsend at a Southern California Cease Fire Committee gathering where community members come together to end violence. Photo by Alexandra Garretón.