LEON COUNTY, Fla. — Working together to make Leon County safer. Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil wants to reduce crime and he's enlisting help to make it happen.
Enough is enough. That's what county leaders are saying in regards to the recent trends of crime in Leon County, but now the sheriff's office is going all in to reduce those numbers.
"Law enforcement alone is not enough and enforcement alone will not reduce the violence we see occurring in Leon County," said Sheriff McNeil.
One example of these partnerships is the new Worship with Me program. LCSO is working to connect youth with religious groups.
The sheriff's office says children who attend one religious function per week are less likely to commit crimes.
"I guarantee you, that this community will see great change under this mandate and model," said Rev. Dr. R. B. Holmes, Jr., of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.
With the community support, this plan will not only give those convicted of a crime another chance, but also try to keep guns off the streets.
"Those who are using guns, those who are deciding to solve conflict, they will be given every opportunity to go a different path," said State Attorney Jack Campbell. "But those who are choosing to go a different path and break into houses this morning and shoot people, we are going to call them by their number."
Proving that by working together Leon County can be 'ALL In' on being a safe place.
LCSO says if you want to get involved in the new initiative, you can give them a call at 850-606-3300.
