Community leaders, law enforcement, clergy, parole and probation officers, and local politicians attended a youth violence community forum held at the Pine Bluff Convention Center Tuesday night that was hosted by youth violence experts Robert “Bob” Bermingham, Michelle Darling, and John A. Tuell.
The three experts are from Virginia and Delaware, and have 98 years of combined experience working in the field of Juvenile Justice.
Jefferson County Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. was one of several law enforcement officers in attendance for the event. He spoke with Deltaplex News once the event was over to give some of his thoughts on what he heard.
Woods said that he feels like the experts understand the issues facing Pine Bluff and Jefferson County.
One expert, Robert Bermingham, stated in his presentation that it takes more than just arresting people to stop crime. He specifically stated that you can’t arrest your way out of a high crime situation. Woods, Jr. said he agrees with that statement.
The experts all said that finding ways to reach out to the community and helping them with needs that they have can help combat violent crime. Woods Jr. said he agrees with that statement as well.
