JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is taking proactive steps to address the issue of gun and gang violence in Duval County, and a recent surge in violence in the city highlights the need to expand those efforts.
The Sheriff’s Office is collaborating with local pastors, a partnership that’s been in the works for years, on a program called Operation Safe Passage, which offers those involved in gang activity a structured escape plan.
On Tuesday, JSO and community pastors announced an expansion of the program, which will include the addition of 16 new congregations that are now specially trained to support the movement.
Press play below to re-watch Tuesday’s announcement
“Today, we commemorate a milestone for Operation Safe Passage by means of this lighthouse symbol, any individual seeking a way out of a life of violence knows that he has a beacon of light and an ally within these sanctified walls,” Waters said Tuesday. “Today, we celebrate expanded partnerships, profound relationships, and a community committed to standing together with those who seek a path from violence to peace.”
The initiative has been a cornerstone of JSO and outreach efforts in partnership with Pastor Garland Scott, who has shared that he was once involved in a life of crime.
Scott is now a pivotal figure in helping others escape that lifestyle.
In partnership with JSO, Scott and the JSO Gang Unit actively engage with the community to save as many individuals as possible from the grips of violence.
In a special report, Scott, Sheriff T.K. Waters and the JSO gang unit gave us a look into gang violence in Jacksonville and how they are combating the issue.
“We have the police in place as well as outreach. People don’t have a clue how much outreach takes place in a police department,” Scott explained. “We get so much, but bad press about police officers doing wrong things to people since 2016. No one knew that we go out and we offer assistance to this population doing wrong.”
Individuals identified through this outreach are allowed to change their lives. If they accept, they are admitted to the program, which boasts a 30% success rate.
With Tuesday’s additions, Waters said Operation Safe Passage now has 131 community partners and 37 community pastors that are part of the movement to decrease gun and gang violence in the county.
“Times have been difficult. I thank you for being willing to stand up for our city, stand up for these young people who are the most important people that we do these things for. It’s them that we do this for. It’s them that we lay our lives out to make sure that they’re taken care of because they are our future,” Waters said.
The urgency of this initiative is underscored by recent tragic events in the city.
Last week, 7-year-old Breon Allen was killed in a drive-by shooting while walking to the store.
MORE | Community rallies to support family after tragic loss of 7-year-old Breon Allen
