Jefferson County Sheriff's Office unveils new initiative to combat gang violence

PINE BLUFF, Ark. (KATV) — In Jefferson County, community leaders have come together against gang violence by announcing a new initiative.

“The epidemic of gang violence that currently threatens our community is absolutely unacceptable," Sheriff Lafayette Woods, Jr. said.

The city of Pine Bluff is on track to have one of the highest murder rates they’ve ever had. There have so far been 26 homicides in the city, nearing the record of 29.

The three year program called the Gang Reduction Initiative of Pine Bluff, or GRIP, has received more than $300,000 in state funding which will go to hiring and training deputies and faith-based leaders specifically in gang intervention.