ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Following a series of recent shootings across Asheville, city leaders and law enforcement say their focus is shifting toward prevention, with an emphasis on reaching young people before violence occurs.
The Asheville Police Department says part of that effort is happening away from crime scenes through its Community Engagement Division, which works directly with neighborhoods, schools and local organizations to address long-term safety concerns.
“Our community engagement division is designed so that we can walk hand-in-hand with community partners, neighborhood groups to identify and strategize through problems that they are having,” said Capt. Jonathan Brown, who leads the division. “Really, to bring long-term solutions to those problems.”…