Tampa Republic

Chief Lee Bercaw, in an op-ed piece, addressed the pressing issue of gun violence among youth in Tampa, emphasizing the need for the community to come together to prevent such tragedies. Reflecting on recent incidents involving juveniles and gun crimes, Chief Bercaw expressed his concerns about the national trend and its impact on innocent lives.

Chief Bercaw highlighted the importance of creating safe and empowering environments for children, urging for proactive measures to prevent guns from reaching the hands of young individuals. He commended the efforts of the Tampa Police Department in engaging with teens through various programs such as the Police Athletic League and emphasized the necessity for continuous improvement in tackling the root causes of gun violence.

Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of city leaders in securing a grant for violence intervention and prevention programs, Chief Bercaw stressed the significance of community partnerships in achieving positive outcomes for youth. He emphasized the proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," underscoring the collective responsibility of law enforcement, parents, educators, clergy, and mentors in guiding young people towards a path of success and away from violence.

Chief Bercaw called for unity within the community to address the issue of gun violence among youth, advocating for responsible gun ownership, conflict resolution education, and the establishment of positive outlets for children. He highlighted department initiatives like the PROJECT: Locked & Unloaded program, aimed at providing free gun locks to prevent incidents of gun theft and misuse.

In conclusion, Chief Bercaw reiterated his commitment to utilizing all available resources to prevent further tragedies and emphasized that any shooting in the community is unacceptable. The call to action was clear - through collective efforts and a united front, the community can work towards a safer and brighter future for its youth.