Norfolk leaders meet with New Jersey-based group to help tackle gun violence | WTKR-TV
NORFOLK, Va. – Gun violence has been impacting Hampton Roads, including Norfolk, for a while.
Barry McClendon Jr. often comes to Norfolk for church. He recalls experiencing gun violence firsthand in the Mermaid City.
“While we were in service, there was a gunshot, gunfire going on,” McClendon told News 3. “I’ve felt the pain people are feeling.”
“I think it’s bad for the community [and] bad for business,” he added.
Tuesday, Norfolk city leaders met with the New Jersey-based group Newark Community Street Team (NCST) to help cut down on crime.
According to Norfolk officials, this spring, NCST did more than 75 interviews with people and community groups in Norfolk.
The team’s report found key areas of improvement: Victim services, school services and housing.
The report also highlighted evidence that a small percentage of people are directly involved in communities with high rates of violence and recommends next steps including the city investing in community-based public safety infrastructure and training for specific groups expected to start in August.
The team has worked with neighborhoods around the country, and said it dropped crime in Newark’s South Ward community by 48%.