Pulaski County Leaders Unite in Group Violence Intervention Effort

Leaders from Pulaski County, Little Rock, and North Little Rock stood together today to announce a regional partnership aimed at reducing gun violence through a proven, evidence-based model known as Group Violence Intervention (GVI).

The announcement marks a historic show of unity across city, county, and business lines, with elected officials, law enforcement, prosecutors, and community leaders pledging to work together to make Pulaski County safer.

Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde opened the announcement by emphasizing collaboration as the key to lasting change. “Pulaski County stands united with the cities of Little Rock, North Little Rock, the Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and our partners at Fifty for the Future around one shared purpose: building a safer, stronger community for every resident,” Hyde said. “Violence is not who we are, and it will not define our future.”

Hyde announced that the county and both cities have each committed $25,000 toward an initial assessment that will determine how best to implement the GVI strategy locally. Business group Fifty for the Future will provide additional funding to launch the process, which is expected to begin immediately and conclude by early 2026.

"Here's the stark reality: Pulaski County ranks in the bottom 6% of U.S. counties for safety. According to CrimeGrade, crime costs our community over $1.4 billion every year. That includes both tangible cost and the intangible cost called pain and suffering. But these aren't just numbers. They represent lives interrupted, families hurt, and opportunities lost. Behind every statistic is a story, and we owe it to our neighbors to change that story," Hyde added.

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. praised the collaboration as another step in the city’s ongoing efforts to improve public safety through data and prevention. “We’re focused on holistic approaches—data-driven strategies, prevention programs, and partnerships like this one with Restore Hope—that bring real results,” Scott said.

Scott said he supports the strategy after seeing its success in Pine Bluff, where the GVI model has helped reduce shootings and strengthen community trust.

North Little Rock Mayor Terry Hartwick said his city is “all in” on the partnership. “We can’t do it alone. This is a process that works, and it only works when we work together,” Hartwick said.

Pulaski County Prosecutor Will Jones echoed that sentiment, pointing to the relationships among law enforcement, local government, and the business community as the foundation for success. “Strong personal connections—that’s how we weather storms and make communities safer,” Jones said. “We’ve been working on this for two years, and everyone here has put their full effort behind it. We’re more motivated than ever to keep driving violent crime down.”

Patrick Schick, chair of Fifty for the Future’s Violence Intervention Group, presented a ceremonial check at the event and described the partnership as an investment in young people’s futures. “Every opportunity we have to make a difference in a kid’s life, we have to take it. This is one of those opportunities—and it’s going to affect the lives of every citizen in Greater Little Rock,” said Schick.

He praised community leaders and law enforcement for coming together, something he said he had never seen before in his years at the Little Rock Regional Chamber.

The initial GVI assessment will begin this winter, with results expected by late February or March. Once completed, the partners will move forward with full implementation. “If it worked in Pine Bluff, it’ll work in Pulaski County. But it’s going to take all of us—every church, every business, every neighborhood leader—to make a difference,” he said.

The Group Violence Intervention model, developed by the National Network for Safe Communities at John Jay College, is built on the idea that a small number of people drive most serious violence—and that direct engagement, combined with services and accountability, can save lives.