PINE BLUFF, Ark. — A team in Jefferson County is working together to keep kids safe before they make decisions that could affect the rest of their lives.
Group Violence Intervention (GVI) is made up of community members, law enforcement and social workers. They mentor kids who might be susceptible to engage in gun violence.
Juvenile Officer Eric Walden Jr. said before COVID they saw maybe one or two kids who were in trouble for gun violence. After COVID, they are seeing more than eight times that number.
"Over this time period, we've had anywhere from 15 to 20 juveniles ranging from 14 to 18 that have been charged for capital murder, shooting incidents, such as terroristic act and battery in the first degree," Walden said.
Law enforcement is now trying to step in before it gets to that point and is meeting one-on-one with kids.
GVI spends some afternoons knocking on doors and checking in on kids who might be at a higher risk for gun violence.
"Where we can not only help that individual who may be struggling with some type of gun violence or we try to help the whole family," GVI Director Kevin Crumpton said.
All with the goal to curb violence and keep kids on a path to a better future.
"As long as you have a mentor that can be with them through their years going through school," Crumpton said. "It gives them a better opportunity to make better decisions."
GVI is looking for volunteers to help mentor kids. If you'd like to reach out to the organization, the phone number is 870-541-0836.