Recognition

When shots are fired, many times people are unsure if what they heard was actually gunfire. In communities where gunfire is common, though...the sound is all too familiar.

Avoiding Redundancy

If community members have the courage to call the police, they still may decide not to call because they assume that someone else will call 911. Unfortunately, most of the time no one ever calls.

Fear of Retaliation

Imagine living in a neighborhood where notorious criminals, gang members, and drug dealers constantly instill fear. Community members may want the streets cleaned up, but what happens if the bad guys find out they called the police? 

Resignation

After so many times of hearing gunfire, it becomes a normal part of life. Everyday, those living in areas with persistent gun violence shrug off the fear and try to move on with their lives. They feel like they have no other choice.

STRAINED RELATIONSHIP WITH POLICE 

Battered communities immersed in violence feel like the police don't care or that the police will only make matters worse. Constant negative headlines about police brutality and extreme prison sentences for petty crimes don't always help ease the tension. How can they trust the police?