Central Arkansas leaders are starting a new partnership to reduce violent crime.
The Group Violence Intervention strategy from the National Network for Safe Communities aims to lower crime rates by creating a model for law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and resource groups to work together to support the community. The goal is to support people at risk of committing violent crimes and intervene before the crimes become reality.
Sixth Judicial District Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Casey Beard says the first phase will involve a review of recent homicides and shootings in Pulaski County.
“That review and that intel piece is an actual webbing that's created of who is driving the violence so that we can figure out how many are driving the violence and who those people are,” Beard told Little Rock Public Radio Thursday following a press conference.
Pulaski County, Little Rock, and North Little Rock officials announced funding Thursday to set the GVI strategy in motion. $25,000 from each local government’s general fund will pay for the initial phase, plus a $60,000 donation from economic organization Fifty for the Future. Chairman Patrick Shueck says it’s a chance to make a difference in young peoples’ lives.
“We as the business community think it's our obligation, its our opportunity, to be able to push that forward in a very positive and meaningful manner that’s not only going to affect the lives of juveniles, but it’s going to affect the lives of every citizen of greater Little Rock.”
Beard said it will take around four months to complete the GVI analysis.
Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde said he was initially skeptical the model would work, but positive results from Pine Bluff changed his mind. The city implemented the GVI strategy hoping to lower violent juvenile crime in 2022. This summer, the city celebrated a streak of over 500 days without a juvenile homicide.
“GVI has helped other communities by focusing on the small group of individuals that are responsible for most crime and giving them a choice,” Hyde said. “That choice is accountability, support, and a way out.”
“This isn't just about enforcement. It's about prevention, collaboration, and hope.”
Hyde estimated violent crime costs Central Arkansas around $1.4 billion each year.
“We owe it to our neighbors to change that story.”
