Atlanta murders running well ahead of 2015
ATLANTA - Murder in the city of Atlanta is up nearly twenty percent. And in one area of town -- in the Southside neighborhoods that make up zone three, that area comprised one third of the 99 killings so far in 2016.
Chief George Turner, in a briefing for city council members, said gangs who recruit teens are in large part responsible for the uptick.
Frustrated council members asked what more they can do given that they have approved millions in funding for law enforcement gear and security cameras. Still, violent crime is heading up not down.
Turner explained the police department will try something new. His investigators have compiled a list of 100 juveniles who are constantly in trouble. The chief said an intervention team will try to find their parents and hold one-on-one meetings in an attempt to bring resources to those families with the aim of getting these young people off the street.