CHESAPEAKE, Va. - More than 150 people died in gun violence in the seven cities of Hampton Roads so far this year, according to the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive.
To try and get a handle on the issue, local mayors and county and city administrators discussed ways Hampton Roads localities can work together to slow things down.
"We're more focused. We are making baby steps, but I think progress is certain," Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck said.
The group met for the third time following formation earlier this year amid an uptick in gun violence.
The group agreed on trying to ask the General Assembly for four things:
- 1. Assistance and funding to try and free up police officers who are waiting for a state mental health bed to open up when someone is under a Temporary Detention Order.
- The incorporation of conflict resolution in schools.
- The ability for certain law enforcement retired law enforcement officers to be work full-time if staffing is short.
- A study on the effectiveness of crime fighting technology.
Mayor Tuck appreciated the focused discussion. "When we come together, we have some things we can discuss and take action on. I think that's all really positive," said Tuck.
The group also had a broader discussion about criminal justice laws and whether laws passed by the General Assembly in recent years have made it tougher for police to do their jobs.
Chesapeake Mayor Rick West cited a law passed in 2020 that made it harder for police to pull drivers over.
"I do believe the mayors of Hampton Roads should come together and get together and say to the General Assembly, 'We're with those of you that want to pass stricter laws with more consequences when violence is involved and illegal guns particularly," said West.
The group could take up that idea when they meet again in November, but today other mayors said more specifics are needed.
"It just came up today. I think we need more opportunity to look at it and you also had some mayors who were not present who would have some thoughts about it," said Tuck.
The group's last meeting was in May, where the group agreed to some initial recommendations.
