PINE BLUFF, Ark.- Just nine days into the month of August, and there have already been four deadly shootings in Pine Bluff. A new program to prevent crime could soon be coming to the city, the main idea coming out of a community meeting Thursday night.
The Police Chief, Mayor and dozens of clergy from across the city met at New St. Hurricane Baptist Church. They discussed starting a 10 Point Coalition, a program cities like Boston and Indianapolis used and saw success with preventing violent crimes.
The program involves picking out ten ways to prevent violence, which could include outreach in schools or in neighborhoods plagued by crime.
“Pine Bluff is starving to have some peace,” said Pine Bluff Police Chief Kelvin Sergeant. “People are beginning to lose value for human life and respect for one and another.”
It’s change Keith Wilbert says needs to happen soon. His 21-year-old son was murdered in September 2015 and Wilbert is still waiting to find whoever is responsible.
“It’s devastating,” he said. “August the 14th me and my family will be at a grave site grieving that he’s gone, instead of celebrating his birthday.”
This event was hosted by Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration, Inc. (PBICVR) Respect for Life Initiative.
