Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutGVPC Minutes 11.18.25 Gun Violence Prevention Commission Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building 215 Church Avenue, SW, Room 364 Roanoke, Virginia 24011 540.853.2333 CITY OF ROANOKE Gun Violence Prevention Commission Minutes Tuesday, November 18, 2025 5:30pm Melrose Library 2502 Melrose Ave NW Roanoke, VA 24017 The purpose of the Gun Violence Prevention Commission is to study the issue of gun violence in the community, recommend strategies for prevention, intervention, and response to reduce incidents of gun violence and address its effects on the community, and to work with citizens and community partners in developing programs that create meaningful opportunities for positive non-violent pathways for health and wholeness. 1. Welcome The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 5:32 PM by Kathy Cohen 2. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Kathy Cohen, Tim Harvey, Valerie Koeppel, Elliot Major, Jared Rose, Josh Johnson, Amy Hodge Commissioners Absent: Catherine Koebel, Robert Lamour Youth Commissioner: Nazir Jackson City Council Members Present: Phazhon Nash City Staff Present: Deputy Chief A. Puckett, Lloyd Merchant 3. Approval of Minutes Motion to approve the April meeting minutes was made by Valerie and seconded by Elliot Major. The motion carried unanimously. 4. New Business Co-Chair’s Report Co-Chair Kathy Cohen presented a restructuring plan for commissioner assignments, with the goal of increasing commissioner ownership and requiring ongoing progress reports. Commissioners were also encouraged to invite two new prospective members to participate. Proposed Commissioner Assignments • Jared Rose: Lead suicide research and intervention strategies • Josh Johnson: Secretary; provide presentation on RCPS resiliency strategies • P. Nash & Catherine Koebel: Legislative updates • Valerie Brown: Gun Lock Ambassador Program; monthly communications and trainings • Rev. Amy Hodge: Community outreach, festivals, and event planning; coordinate an annual anti-gun violence “Sabbath” weekend and faith- based messaging • Elliot Major: Environmental strategies; identify a location impacted by gun violence and propose place-based interventions • Robert Lamour: None • Brandy Campbell (Commission Applicant): Introduced herself and described her community involvement, including work with Chris Roberts and FEDUP. Announcements • Tim Harvey announced that they will be stepping down from the GVPC. 5. Old Business Working Group Updates • No reports were provided. 6. Presentations Suicide Data & Prevention Presenter: Jared Rose • Shared updated suicide statistics, indicating an increase in gun-related suicides. • 2025: 15 suicides • 2024: 7 suicides • Sheila Lythgoe of Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare presented a Comprehensive Approach to Suicide Prevention handout. She gave information about programs and strategies to address suicide. • International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day: o Saturday, November 22, 2025 o 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM o Carilion Children’s Center • Potential Area’s of growth: o Increased awareness efforts regarding Safe Side Tactical’ s firearm security lockers available for community rental. o New messaging from PCW will highlight the link between youth suicides and phone use at bedtime. o Chela asked whether RCPS currently provides suicide education for students; none is known at this time. o Jared collected additional 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline materials, which Rev. Hodge will distribute during outreach. Roanoke Police Department Presenter: Deputy Chief Adam Puckett Gun-Related Crime Statistics (2025 YTD) • 9 gun-related homicides (no change from 2024) • 17 aggravated assaults (decrease of 3 YTD) Case Status • Active: 6 • Closed with Arrest: 15 • Clearance Rate: 71% Additional Notes • Funding is still being identified for a Victim’s Advocate position to support families affected by gun violence. Youth Gang Outreach Presenter: Chris Roberts • Reported three participants have graduated from the program. Current participants are completing Phase One of the Self-Mastery program. RESET Initiative Presenter: Lloyd Merchant Community Engagement (October Activity) • Four deployments; engaged with 49 residents Program Highlights • Partnership with Feeding Southwest Virginia to provide hot meals at Champions of Change Boxing Academy every Monday–Wednesday • Staff attended VGA gang training • Fundraiser: Boxing event at Champions of Change scheduled for November 29 PIVOT/GVI Update • Joe Carucci resigned from the City of Roanoke. 7. Additional New Business No meeting in December, Gun Violence data will still be sent out. Announcements • Tim Harvey announced that they will be stepping down from the GVPC. • Robert Lamour has submitted his letter of resignation due to work/time restraints. Meeting adjourned at 6:52pm. Next Meeting: January 20th at 5:30 pm at 2502 Melrose Ave NW (Melrose Library)