HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Committee to Reduce Gun Violence Minutes 010821Study Committee to Reduce Gun Violence
Minutes
Friday, January 8, 2021 – 10:00 am
Via Zoom
1. Welcome – Joe Cobb called the meeting to order.
2. Roll Call – Taisha Steele, Secretary
Present: Taisha Steele, Decca Knight, Rabbi Kathy Cohen, Jordan Bell, Irisha Goodman,
Rev. David Jones, Stacey Sheppard, Hannah Oakes, Rev. Tim Harvey, Joe Cobb
3. Approval of Minutes from November 13 and December 11 meetings. Kathy Cohen
moved and Stacey Sheppard seconded a motion to approve these minutes. Motion
carried.
4. Data Update from Roanoke Police Department. ISTAR Senior Analyst Alisha Morrison
shared year-end data regarding gun-related incidents. In addition, new data on a 10-
year comparison of this data was also shared. Additional demographic information was
requested by the Study Committee and will be sent via email.
5. Updates on Working Groups. Working Group leaders provided a brief update on the
focus of their meetings for the day and reported back at the conclusion.
6. Working Group Break Out Sessions to continue work on priority initiatives, action items,
budget recommendations and action items.
Safer Neighborhoods - Rev. Tim Harvey inquired as to if the ornament from the Briding
the Gap event was retained. Staff will follow up. He also reported that they want to
connect with local youth groups to share and receive input regarding the Community
Pledge to Non-Violence and the Public Art Project.
Education – Work continues on piloting the Positive Impact Curriculum with community
partners and youth. Recommendations will be presented at the February meeting.
Reducing Gang Violence and Recidivism - Rabbi Kathy Cohen reported continuing work
on a Comprehensive Gang Reduction Model specific to Roanoke.
City Services and Rapid Response - Stacey Sheppard reported that the Rapid Response
Resource Flyer is being finalized and they are working toward an agreement on a
standard for involvement in distributing this information, with the goal being to reduce
trauma by responding to situations of aggravated assault, homicide and suicide while
ensuring that resources are made available and accessible to individuals and families
who may need them.
7. Next Steps and Meeting Dates:
Study Committee December Meeting – Friday, February 12, 2021 – 10:00 am
8. Adjournment