Author Explains Method Behind Gun Violence Initiative
By: Eugene Daniel
Updated: August 28, 2012
PEORIA- The man behind Peoria's new anti-gun violence initiative says there's no excuse for gun violence.
David Kennedy is the author of the book, Don't Shoot. His book is the center piece for the city's new crime fighting strategy to stop gun-related crimes.
Kennedy gave city and local business leaders an overview of his strategy Tuesday afternoon. He says the community can't wait for law enforcement to take care of the issue.
Instead, community leaders must take an active role. He says he's seen 60 to 70 percent reductions in crime in every city he's worked, and the city needs to target specific people and groups.
"These are not really dangerous neighborhoods. They have a few dangerous people in town. And what that means, if we get the attention of those groups and those people, we can actually on a good day turn this stuff off like a light switch," Kennedy said.
Kennedy will hold a public forum Wednesday night at Riverside Community Church. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Community members are urged to attend.
