SCRANTON, Pa. — Changes are coming to Weston Field in Scranton, but it's not just construction taking shape. A new plan is moving forward to fight against youth and gang violence.
Just six months ago, a 20-person fight ended with one person dead and a teen accused of pulling the trigger. It's just one example of the ongoing teen gang violence, city officials say is growing.
"We know there are more illegal guns on the street. We know there are more younger individuals involved in criminal activity," said Mark Powell, Lackawanna County District Attorney.
But just six months later, Mayor Paige Cognetti stands in that same park with a new action plan.
"There would be a resource. People that know their lived experience and understand that. There's a lot of gaps that we have in those types of services. To build upon the other services that we already have," explained Mayor Cognetti.
It's called Community Violence Intervention, or CVI. It is an initiative that brings together law enforcement, social services, and the community to combat gang violence. A similar playbook is already up and running in cities like Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and York.
Action 16 got an inside look at how York County's program worked in July, and it has proven successful. York officials say the program has cut shootings in half and reduced homicides in York by more than 75%. But its biggest success doesn't come in numbers but by the people who run it.
"Someone from that community, working with that community, and delivering promises from that community will go a long way in helping bridge that gap," said Powell.
While the official blueprint for the initiative is still being developed, Mayor Cognetti says the biggest hurdle is over.
"Ultimately, this organization wouldn't be funded by local taxpayer dollars," explained Mayor Cognetti. "It would be a combination of state, federal grants and philanthropy. It should be a stand-alone organization that can help us curb it in the first place."
While the construction at Weston Field takes shape, so does hope for a safer Scranton.
Editorial note: The video below is from July 11, 2024.