A task force working to address North Carolina’s gang violence held its first meeting Tuesday.
Established in August via an Executive Order from Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, the Gang Prevention and Intervention Task Force is charged with identifying solutions to create safer communities and help North Carolina’s youth become productive adults.
“North Carolina has recently had several tragic reminders of the need to keep people safe and prevent violence,” Stein said in a press release. “I look forward to working with the Task Force members to identify and put into place real solutions to make North Carolina safer.”
North Carolina Department of Adult Correction Secretary and Co-Chair Leslie Cooley Dismukes said to “move the needle” on gang violence, the scourge needs to be stopped before it begins.
“Gang intervention is critical inside prison walls and for people on probation, parole, and community supervision,” Dismukes said. “Our NCDAC team lives and works in every North Carolina community, and we are committed to making each one safer.”
The task force is focused on reducing the impact and presence of gang activity in the state, which includes steering young people away from gangs. It will further identify proven violence prevention efforts and bring together law enforcement, education leaders, legal representatives, mental health and substance use organizations, and ex-gang members.
“We’ve put together a very well-rounded, interdisciplinary task force with leaders from many different backgrounds and areas of expertise,” North Carolina Office of Violence Prevention Director and Co-Chair Siarra Scott said. “I am looking forward to getting these great minds together to think critically about how, collectively, we can holistically and sustainably address gang violence in our state.”
Stein is also calling on North Carolina’s General Assembly to pass a budget that includes raises for law enforcement and bonuses for recruits. Stein also wants funds for violence prevention programs to address those living in crisis, and to provide support to overburdened first responders.
