To combat youth violence in Gainesville, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) is partnering with the Gainesville Police Department and the State Attorney's Office.
The three organizations will apply for juvenile violence grants, host youth town hall meetings and try to get locals involved in decreasing juvenile violence rates, according to a NOBLE release.
The organization will kick off the partnership with a meeting March 4, said training coordinator Pamela Chapman.
"Instead of adults talking at the youth, telling them what to do, the youth will be telling the adults what they think the problems are," Chapman said.
She said community leaders and concerned Gainesville citizens, including children, will meet to discuss juvenile violence and strategies for intervention.
NOBLE previously met in five cities and compiled recommendations for addressing youth violence.
NOBLE National President Joseph McMillan said that communities must brainstorm new ideas to address youth violence.
"This partnership highlights NOBLE's ongoing efforts to reduce juvenile violence in America," he said.
