The Town of Red Springs Police Department (RSPD) has a total staff of 20, serving a population of 3,019. The RSPD reports a recent rise in incidents involving juvenile firearm-related violence and delinquency and narcotics-related offenses. The Town’s overall per capita violent crime rate is significantly higher than that of the State of North Carolina. Additionally, the RSPD reports a per capita property crime rate that exceeds both the North Carolina state and national rates by a significant margin.

With limited front-line staff, grant funding will help address capacity concerns while allowing a focus on both intervention and prevention work. Comprehensive Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Initiative (CVIPI) efforts are proposed that include new programs for youth and families, and services for victims of crime in the community. Such programs could include positive youth engagement activities, community-oriented policing, introducing violence interrupters to decrease gang retaliation and establishing mental health services for victims of crime. To support project administration and implementation, the RSP is partnering with the North Carolina Youth Violence Prevention Center. Color of Life, LLC will support project activities specific to community outreach and engagement with a focus on de-escalation of gang conflicts.