Reducing gun violence in Tucson is focus of community dialogue

Reducing gun violence in Tucson will be the focus of a community dialogue, hosted by the University of Arizona’s School of Government and Public Policy on Wednesday, July 31.

The event is a collaboration between the University of Arizona, Tucson Police Department and the Center for Community Mediation and Facilitation. Community members 18 and up are encouraged to attend and learn more about “gun violence, offer their suggestions for reducing it, and stay informed about the findings at the conclusion of the grant-related work,” says a news release.

“We believe that community input is crucial in addressing the issue of gun violence,” said UA assistant professor Seung-Ho An in a release. “This event will provide a platform for community members to voice their opinions, share experiences, and contribute to a safer Tucson.”

The community event is part of a project funded by a $2 million grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance from 2022. The project, Barrios Seguros/Safe Neighborhoods: An Inclusive Approach to Community Based Violence Intervention and Prevention, is meant to expand and enhance TPD’s community violence intervention efforts, according to the BJA’s award description.

Seung-Ho An says that researchers will “examine the attitudes and behaviors the community shows towards gun-related issues” at the upcoming event to better facilitate community focus groups in the future. He says their findings will help TPD work towards a solution to reduce gun violence, something that’s decreasing in the city according to TPD.

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“In 2022, TPD investigated 141 non-fatal shootings; in 2023, we saw a reduction of 125 non-fatal shootings,” TPD officials wrote in an email. “We hope to continue this positive trend through collaborative efforts with our community partners.”

Data was not available on the number of fatal shootings.

The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sentinel Building, 320 N. Commerce Park Loop.

Light snacks and water will be provided Those interested can sign up at tucne.ws/1qed. Attendees are asked to arrive early to read and sign a consent form.