Mr. Tommie “Ttop” Rivers is a devoted advocate for peace. He works tirelessly to restore harmony in communities plagued by trauma and violence. With a profound dedication to community restoration, he has embarked on a journey of re-dedication, breathing positivity and hope into the lives of the youth and young adults. Mr. Rivers is a charismatic public speaker who utilizes his life experience to address crucial issues such as violence, conflict resolution, negotiation, intervention, and prevention. His ability to captivate audiences while imparting vital knowledge underscores his prowess as a communicator and advocate for change.
Mr. Rivers holds a position within the instructional and leadership group at the Professional Community Intervention Training Institute (P.C.I.T.I.), where he is devoted to instigating transformation that inspires everyone involved. His collaboration with P.C.I.T.I. highlights his unwavering commitment to enhancing safety procedures and systems, individuals, and other stakeholders deeply committed to the community's welfare, gang intervention, and prevention.
Mr. Rivers' impact goes beyond mere words, as he fulfills the vital role of a professional first responder dedicated to community violence mitigation, intervention, and crisis management. His active participation in law enforcement intervention and prevention training underscores his dedication to fostering better connections between communities and law enforcement organizations, promoting mutual comprehension and cooperation. Regularly, he conducts training sessions with law enforcement and the fire department, imparting updated knowledge on gang intervention, prevention strategies, protocols, and safety measures. These training sessions also encompass educating officers on their roles and the role of P.C.I.T.I. during intervention.
Over ten years, Mr. Rivers played a pivotal role in creating The Amer-I-Can program's 15-chapter, 60-hour life skills curriculum, which strongly emphasizes the importance of self-determination. This curriculum has had a transformative impact, enabling numerous individuals to take charge of their destinies and reclaim authority over their lives.
Mr. Rivers participated in the White House’s 16-city violence initiative under the Biden administration. He has collaborated with the Los Angeles Mayor's Office in the GRYD (Gang Reduction Youth Development Program) training through P.C.I.T.I. His role involves certifying GRYD program participants in conflict resolution, cease-fires, crowd control, rumor control, and prong 1 and 2 intervention strategies.
Collaborating with the University of Southern California (USC) School of Social Work, Mr. Rivers takes the essence of intervention and prevention training to the community, showcasing the practical application of these concepts. He facilitated a 14-gang cease-fire in L.A. Council District 10 and surrounding areas.
