SCRANTON – Officials representing local government and law enforcement agencies held a kick-off meeting Thursday as the first step in reducing crime and providing support to residents.
The City of Scranton, Lackawanna County and the Scranton School District collaborated to design and develop a crime prevention program, with the City of Lackawanna County and Scranton sharing the cost of a $105,262 contract with Social Contract, LLC, from funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
The roundtable, which was not open to the public, came after a year marked by multiple incidents of violent crime, beginning with the near-fatal shooting of police officer Kyle Gilmartin on Jan. 11. The year was also marked by five murders in the city. , in addition to an increase in gang violence.
Most recently, law enforcement in Lackawanna County made nine arrests in connection with gang-related drug trafficking and shut down a nuisance bar where much of the illegal activity took place.
Following the meeting, participants held a press conference expressing their enthusiasm for the initiative aimed at reducing crime across the area by providing support systems to community members.
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti said the non-governmental new Community Violence Intervention and Prevention Project will provide services beyond law enforcement and the classroom. Instead, it will address needs identified as problematic, such as mental health care.
Mayor Paige Cognetti addresses a small crowd after a planning meeting aimed at developing a new community violence intervention and prevention project for the city and county. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Lackawanna County Commissioner Matt McGloin said the initiative would implement evidence-based practices that have been proven successful.
“It’s not just about intervention, it’s about prevention and breaking the cycle of crime,” he said.
McGloin said he grew up in Scranton when families kept their doors open and everyone felt safe.
“Times have changed,” he said.
He said the violence that has characterized the city and county is unacceptable. The initiative was aimed at restoring hope, safety and opportunity to county residents, he said.
Lackawanna County District Attorney Mark Powell said of crime: “There is not just one cause and there is not just one solution.”
The solution lies in a community effort and collaboration between city and county agencies, he said.
“It takes a village to raise a child,” he said, quoting an African proverb.
Powell emphasized prevention, intervention and enforcement in tackling crime.
Scranton Police Chief Thomas Carroll said all participating agencies are committed to breaking the cycle of violence. Hiring a social contract is a starting point for change, he said.
Carroll praised law enforcement officers from multiple departments for their commitment to serving their community and their willingness to work with other law enforcement agencies.
“Kyle Gilmartin exemplifies our resolve,” he said. “His resilience is our resilience.”
