Just take a quick glance at the headlines and it becomes obvious that gun violence is a problem in Washington and across the country. Gun violence among the juvenile population has dramatically increased in the last few years. According to the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of juveniles killed by gunfire in the United States increased almost 50% between 2019 and 2021. Fortunately, Seattle is taking measures to curb gun violence.
Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention
King County has launched its own Regional Office of Gun Violence Prevention as Seattle and the surrounding communities continue to deal with record numbers of homicides. The launch was announced at a recent event in partnership with Public Health in Seattle and King County. In a public statement, executive Dow Constantine said the new office will serve as a hub for the region and connect King County with federal resources.
According to Constantine, the new office will coordinate with the White House’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Reportedly, Seattle recorded a total of 64 homicides as of mid-October, which puts Seattle on pace to eclipse the record of 69 homicides set in 1994. The new regional office is a positive sign that officials are working to expand local initiatives to keep communities in King County safe from gun violence.
Legal assistance
Although progress is being made, juvenile crimes continue to be an ongoing problem in Washington. It’s unfortunate that one mistake a person makes when they are young can affect them for the rest of their life. Juveniles in Washington who have been charged with criminal offenses have options to help them during the difficult time. By speaking with an experienced attorney, those accused can obtain much-needed guidance while ensuring the protection of personal rights.