New program 'Boots on the Ground' aims to reduce violence in the Triangle

The founder and CEO Gerald Givens Jr. met with the Raleigh Police Department police chief on Thursday night to discuss the possibility of the department supporting the program.

When crime strikes in Raleigh, Jerry Price gets triggered due to losing his brother to violence.

"I feel personal every time someone gets killed in Raleigh," Price said.

His brother died from injuries after being attacked at a bus stop on New Bern Avenue near Trawick Road in 2022.

More than a year later, he's still searching for answers.

"It needs to be handled because it's getting worse," Price said.

Givens Jr. says there is a need for community and public safety solutions.

He believes Boots on the Ground is the solution.

Givens Jr. says the program has secured enough funding to provide crime prevention, intervention, advocacy, and support services for survivors of gun violence.

"We have a team of violence interrupters who are canvassing inside our community," Givens Jr. said. "Building a relationship for both parents and youth, trying to mitigate the violence in our community."

As someone who knows firsthand about the pain of violence, Price says the project is one small step in breaking the cycle of crime.

"It's better than nothing," Price said. "I believe punishment needs to be harsher and let criminals know you're not playing with them."

Boots on the Ground will hold a series of events this weekend.

The events will begin with a community prayer on Friday at 5 p.m., followed by a community day at Roberts Community Park on Sunday.