Office of Violence Prevention releases strategy to improve public safety

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — The Violence Prevention Bureau released a statement multi-part strategy The aim is to increase public security.

“It’s very important to spread this information and let people know that these resources and these offices exist, because I think a lot of times people just look at things from their own perspective and can become frustrated with the violence that they’re committing,” said Siarra Scott, Acting Director of the Office of Violence Prevention. “It’s seen in their own communities without them knowing there are organizations working,” he said.

Established in 2023, the Office of Violence Prevention’s Community Violence Advisory Board includes members of law enforcement, health officials, and community advocates.

“I think people are starting to realize that this is an issue that affects all of us,” said Board member Becky Ceartas, who serves as Executive Director Against Gun Violence in North Carolina.

The three-part strategy includes:

1. Improve cooperation and coordination among local, state, and federal agencies, as well as law enforcement and public health officials.
2. Strengthening the Community Violence Prevention Workforce, such as providing training and technical assistance to measure the impact of the work.
3. Preparing and empowering local communities, increasing public awareness to advocating for funding opportunities to solve these problems

“We’re really going to work to focus on creating a more cohesive ecosystem across the state where people are working together in various parts of our state and different corners of our state,” Scott said.

“At the local level, we are seeing both community-based and hospital-based violence intervention programs that take a public health approach to preventing gun violence by directly mediating conflict,” Ceartas said. he said.

According to data collected by Major City Chiefs AssociationHomicides in Raleigh and Charlotte increased in the first six months of this year compared to the same period in 2023.

“Secure storage It’s incredibly important because we’re seeing kids bringing guns to school, which is an alarming rate. We know that school shooters often obtain their weapons from their own homes, or from the homes of a relative or friend. Then there are accidental shootings and suicides,” Ceartas said.

Eddie Smith grew up in South Raleigh and encountered gun violence in his community as a youth.

“It was normal. Now I understand how it affects not only my home but the people around me,” Smith said.

He credited the work of community organizations in providing support, which is why Smith is giving back while working with Katch The Kite.

“To paraphrase young kids, they’re walking around with tools in their hands. You’ve got to take a tool out of their hand and put a tool in their hand, whether it’s a computer, a book, a laptop for a STEM program. Keep them sitting, going north, having free time with their minds , then get them (bad) tools; pilot programs that will be very helpful in keeping young men and young women off the streets,” Smith said.

Gun violence trends are declining across the country. according to Gun Violence ArchiveMass shootings are on track for their lowest figure since 2019, as is the number of child and teen victims injured or killed by shootings.