Problem Statement

At the end of 2010, 27 persons were fatal victims of gun violence.  Another 147 were shot but received non fatal wounds.  By the first weekend of this year, five shootings had occurred.  As of July 1, 2011 the total number of homicides had reached 12.  This number matches the homicide total for the same period in 2010 (Wilmington News Journal, July 2011). 

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Gun violence is a serious and troubling problem because the acts, on the surface, appear to be committed by heartless persons.  One victim (killed in April 2011) was shot while sitting in front of his mother's home in a wheelchair.  The problem generates considerable frustration for the public and professions, because increases in the number of shootings and homicides suggest that agencies mandate to develop and implement programs whose purpose is to reduce gun violence are impotent and lack of "know how" to effectively address the problem.

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In March 2011, Governor Jack Markell announced "Operation Pressure Point" (OOP), the aim to which is to reduce gun violence in Wilmington.  The iniative began on April 1st.  Following a model that revolves around two phases - enforcement and investigation - federal state and local agencies are required to work together to abate gun violence in Wilmington.  

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Consortium of Churches

We recommend a consortium of churches be invited to specially address the comprehensive nature of the problem of crime and violence.  These churches would partner together with one another, state of Delaware agencies, law enforcement agencies, and other community agencies/groups to address the pervasive hopelessness in the community - it's what we do on a regular basis.  The overall mission and purpose of this IMAC consortium is to bring about community transformation that leads to Shalom.

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