PORTSMOUTH, Va. —
Portsmouth city leaders, community groups, and the public came together Monday night to discuss strategies to lower crime and violence in the city. The Crime and Gun Violence Prevention Task Force meeting began with an announcement about a new crisis stabilization policy between Portsmouth United and Portsmouth Police, which would help victims of gun violence receive immediate and long-term help.
The task force also discussed several potential initiatives and programs that could be implemented in many areas including improving communication about city resources in some public housing and using after-school programs to interrupt violence.
"I was telling one of the people that ran the office, the same way they send that rent statement out and it makes sure it gets to every mailbox. why doesn't some of this information about these free programs get to this residence," said one task force member.
The city has seen its fair share of violence this year with at least 35 homicides so far in 2024. Police Chief Stephen Jenkins did not specify or go into detail on specific crimes, but he said PPD is working on releasing a dashboard and weekly updates on crime stats. Members of the task force say incentives may be put in place to help the public buy-in with future programs.
"We can't forget to use the traditional means by knocking doors, going to homes and going to the libraries and really meeting people where they are," said another task force member. "And so I think that is going to have to be something initially that we have to figure out within the next month or so."
One member brought up establishing a 3-1-1 style hub or a resource handout so that citizens have easy access to resources.
The meeting ultimately concluded with them agreeing that at their next meeting committees will be established and that the next meeting will be on January 6, 2025