Its violence prevention summits like this, city organizations say help decrease violence in Omaha.
“To make progress collaboration is needed.”
Omaha 360’s President Willie Barney says annual meetings with the community and law enforcement help measure progress.
“To strategize on how we accelerate the progress we made and also address additional issues that have been raised.”
In fact Barney says in the last 10 years, gun violence during summer months has dropped significantly.
“Which are typically the peak moments for gun violence, we’ve seen an 80 percent decline in North Omaha and 40 percent city wide.”
When law enforcement, city organizations and the community team up Barney says it makes a difference.
“One of the things the community says consistently is there needs to be more interaction between community and police.”
City leaders say they’ll continue building healthy relationships.
“I truly want to be a fire chief that community members can reach out to and ask questions.”
Barney says multiple agencies coming together makes a safer environment for everyone.
“Every person can do something to help make a difference.”
