Pete Carroll Might Have the Best Approach to Prevent Gang Violence

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Thursday, June 16, 2016

Rhea Kimble, Oregon Sports News

When I heard about the tragedy in Orlando, in what they are calling the deadliest mass shooting in US history, my heart broke.  It seems that these acts of violence are happening more and more.  Gun violence is a hot topic in political debates with calls for stricter gun control laws.  These unfortunate events are making national news, as they should.  However, what doesn't always make headlines is gang violence that has plagued many communities across the country for decades.  It is being reported that gang violence has increased in US cities and it is no different for the cities of Seattle, Wash., and Portland, Ore. 

So, what is the solution?  So far, law enforcement doesn't seem to have the answer.  One method being used to curb gang violence is through technology.  City Council Members and police in Seattle have reached out to ShotSpotter, a firm that creates audio sensors as a part of their gunshot detection program. Sure, it may notify police where gunshots are coming from, but how does this prevent shots from being fired in the first place? And what happens when police arrive on the scene? In some cases, the victims and witnesses in these cases do not cooperate due to the distrust and disconnect between themselves and law enforcement.  

This is why I believe Pete Carroll has the best approach to curb gang violence.  He recruits former gang members to mentor at risk youth.  Tim Haeck of MYNorthwest.com quotes Carroll speaking to gang members, “Wouldn’t it be awesome if you did it? Think if you guys did it here and it had never been done before.” Carroll is helping rebuild a fractured community from within through his non-profit organizations, A Better LA, and A Better Seattle.  Through training and education, he is empowering former gang members to build relationships amongst law enforcement, politicians and its citizens living in these communities.  

The reason Carroll has been able to successfully build these programs is because he understands young minorities, especially black athletes, and allows them to be themselves. This goes beyond coaching on the field.  This not a façade and he is not just a rah-rah coaching guru.  He truly cares about individuals and is one of the best at getting them to reach their full potential.

Carroll has chronicled his mission as Executive Producer of a documentary titled License to Operate that made its official debut June 7th.  This is something the city of LA has never seen done before. The documentary’s subtitle sums up Carroll’s gang prevention program: In the darkest hours, hope can come from the most unlikely places.

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