Roanoke City hopes to soon hire several people who will work to prevent the gun violence many neighborhoods have experienced.

ROANOKE, Va. – 2020 was a more violent year than normal for Roanoke in terms of gun violence. The Roanoke Gun Violence Task Force analyzed the data during their monthly meeting Friday. “There needs to be immediate intervention for the age group that is beyond 18,” said task force member Jim O’Hare. The task force believes gang violence is responsible for a sizable portion of the crimes. “If they had another path, 99% of them wouldn’t do what they have done,” said task force member Elliott Major.

ROANOKE, Va. – In part of their regular meeting, the Roanoke gun violence task force laid out their objectives for 2021. It culminates an active crime year for the star city that saw significant increases in gun violence-related incidents. The gun violence task force has several committees that focus on everything from mitigation to prevention and education. As I go out, it’s one of the things members of the community are longing for: a better relationship with the police department,” admitted Lloyd Merchant, Rapid Response Coordinator. The task force believes that is achieved through things like one-on-one conversations, education for youth (specifically targeting teenagers) and relationship building – all objectives for 2021.

ROANOKE, Va – A new unit in the Roanoke City Police Department is being created to combat the recent spike in violence in the city. The plans were discussed during Friday’s Gun Violence Task Force meeting, but they are still in the early stages. The latest data regarding gun violence shows incidents related to aggravated assaults where someone got shot jumped from 21 in 2019 to 36 this year. 8 of the 11 homicides in the city this year have been related to gun violence. Members of the Gun Violence Task Force say the changes are a step in the right direction.

ROANOKE, Va. – Sitting at tables on Monday morning, more than 30 representatives from more than a dozen organizations pledged to do whatever their organizations can to help the Roanoke Gun Violence Task Force reduce gun violence. “I think we need to get at the issue that causes people to feel like they have to have a gun," Stephen Niamke said. The goal was to teach people about active non-violence and to place peace teams in places where there might be a potential conflict that might escalate to violence," Niamke said. For him, the issue of gun violence is personal. The task force’s next meeting is March 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Williams Memorial Baptist Church.

ROANOKE, Va. - Roanoke residents fed up with gun violence let out their frustrations Thursday night. The city's Gun Violence Task Force invited citizens to approach city council's chambers and share their ideas and concerns on how to make Roanoke more peaceful. He told the task force about a program he promoted while federal attorney that taught children to stay away from guns. "This council is determined to do that, that's why we brought this task force together." However, some residents such as Jeffrey told the task force they're tired of waiting.