RICHMOND, Va. — Seven months after Richmond Mayor Danny Avula launched a new department to make city streets safer, the Office of Gun Violence Prevention is focusing on community-centric responses to reduce crime.
Greg Hopkins, the director of the Office of Gun Violence Prevention, said the department is working to prevent tragedies through funding, system recommendations, and nightlife ambassadors stationed in all hot spots, not just Shockoe Bottom.
“The City of Richmond is committed to making this a safer community,” Hopkins said.
In an initial assessment, the office found that minor disagreements drive much of the senseless violence in the city…