Muncie leaders take advice from Ten Point
MUNCIE, Ind. (WISH) – Muncie city leaders plan on spearheading a crime-prevention effort similar to the Ten Point Coalition, according to the city’s human rights director.
City officials attended a forum Thursday night led by Ten Point Coalition founder Rev. Charles Harrison. The meeting was scheduled after three people were shot and killed in Muncie within six days.
Harrison’s audience included the mayor, the police chief and the county sheriff. His message: go into the streets, talk to kids and help them get good grades and jobs. Ten Point uses reformed criminals to connect with kids.
“Engage the young people that are most likely to be involved in criminal activity that might lead to gun violence,” Rev. Harrison said.
“They are already doing what we want done here in Muncie,” Muncie Human Rights Director Yvonne Thompson said.
Thompson said officials are brainstorming how to put Harrison’s ideas into action.
“Why not get ahead of the game now?” she said. “Prevent what you can now, so that it doesn’t get worse.”
The city’s first homicide of the year was recorded April 10, according to police. Four days later, one man was killed in what police believe was a self-defense shooting. Later that week, officials said a Muncie police officer shot and killed a suspect.
Harrison said he expects to return to Muncie within the next couple weeks to help them start their efforts. He also said Ten Point is willing to return to Muncie to train a street team.
