Law enforcement, faith-based leaders to host second Better Community Summit - FOX13 Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — More than 600 people have been murdered in Memphis since the start of 2020.
FOX13 has been asking for months how to turn things around. Wednesday, some law enforcement leaders talked about a program they are continuing this year that they hope can help.
Memphis police and other agencies are looking to be more proactive rather than reactive.
The police department, the region’s top federal prosecutor, and community leaders aim to do that by holding their second Better Community Summit in a few weeks.
The first one was held in Frayser, and organizers said there was a good turnout. The next one will be in South Memphis at the end of the month.
“Every time you wake up, somebody gets killed,” George Young said.
The Memphis Police Department has partnered with faith-based leaders and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to host the second Better Community Summit in South Memphis to reduce crime.
“These are free services we’re providing to the citizens of South Memphis,” said Memphis Deputy Police Chief Paul Wright.
The services aim to connect attendees to people with expertise in couples counseling, gang talk, domestic violence, conflict resolutions, and more.
“We think this is part of a process to reduce violent crime in Memphis, which is something all of us want,” said Joseph Murphy, U. S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennesse.
Martha Parson, a mother who lost her son to gun violence more than two decades ago, says these resources could have saved her son’s life.
“That would be the best for our young kids. Go out here, get a job and make things better for themselves,” said Parson.
But some people in South Memphis are a bit more pessimistic.
“I’m going to be honest with you; it’s not going to work. It’s really how parents raise their children,” said Larry Yerby.
The summit is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Greater Mt Moriah Baptist Church.
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source: https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/local/law-enforcement-faith-based-leaders-host-second-better-community-summit/5VHMJCJ2TNCOJLRENLN5SCZIVU/
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