Witnessing a Violence Reduction Initiative call-in provides a unique perspective of Chattanooga's effort to stop gang violence.
Every three months, the Chattanooga Police Department and Hope For The Inner City partnership hosts several local and state agencies to speak to the community, including dozens of gang members, at an undisclosed location.
Thursday night, 34 individuals were invited to the 7th call-in, with the possibility of receiving a violation of probation if they chose not to attend.
28 of them showed up.
Members of the Chattanooga Police Department, Hamilton County District Attorney's Office, Federal District Attorney's Office, and other advocates explained why stopping gang violence is so important in our city.
"The violence must stop. If they, or their group or affiliate kill anybody, we will come after them with everything that our law enforcement partnership has," says Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher.
The messages were not sugar-coated. Agencies showed the pictures of homicide victims, as a result of gang violence. They also explained how many years convicted, violent offenders will stay in prison for their crimes.
"It works better when people have a clear understanding of what the consequences are, they have better information to make an informed choice," says Fletcher.
The choice is a decision
