NORFOLK, Va. — At least 8 people have died in shootings in both cities. But tonight Norfolk Police held their first-ever “night walk” to combat gun violence.
The event is to support the family of Edward Collins, who was shot and killed on Monday. Sgt. Ali Williams with Norfolk Police hopes walking the Young Terrace neighborhood will help strengthen the bonds between police and the community.
"Us coming out here is as a deterrent to let the community and the family know we are here and were not going anywhere.” Sgt. Williams said.
Across the river, Portsmouth police launched Portsmouth United tonight. The move is to organize the community to prevent violence before it starts. Chief Stephen Jenkins says the program is trying to give stakeholders a voice.
Chief Jenkins says the program has succeeded in larger cities like Chicago and hopes to replicate it here.
"All of us are trying to come up with solutions and ways to fight, combat gun violence and reduce the number of homicides and people shot," said Chief Jenkins
Many we spoke to tonight hope this is just the beginning of hopefully making their neighborhood safer.