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Task Force Tackles Gun Violence

Leah Uko

OMAHA (KPTM)- The Mayor's office released the second part of the plan to cut down on violence and make the streets safer Thursday.

"We like to hear from the citizens, we know the city is talking, we know that the city does not like the continued violence that we see on the news. It's time to take action," said Jonathan Crosby, the Omaha City Prosecutor.

The ‘Illegal Gun Safety Task Force' is made up of council and city members, a former gang member, and community group leaders.

They shared a list of recommendations aimed at getting illegal guns off the streets.  In a press conference Thursday, they gave the Mayor a list of recommendations.

Those include hiring a second gang intervention specialist, holding more gun amnesty and ‘take back' events.

Also, they recommend more police officer training and alternate sentencing for misdemeanor gun cases, meaning instead of probation, juveniles could attend a program that teaches life skills.

Even with all the recommendations, some community members worry the violence is too big to handle. "These days kids don't even go to school. They hang out all times of the night, walking the street, drinking," said Geena Sides.

"The city doesn't have the baby; the parent has the baby. Know where your kids are at, know what they're doing, know who their friends are, know where they're going," said Primus Jones. "There's no reason why the streets should be raising your kids."

The Mayor and community members are considering more than 30 recommendations, but the most effective one that the community agrees on is that people speak out. "I know they may not like the police department, call Crime Stoppers, leave an anonymous tip. Do what you need to do," said Eddie Glass.

There's no timeline for the recommendations, but Mayor Jim Suttle said he plans to make a decision sooner rather than later.