Bibb County outreach center works to prevent youth gun violence

Lt. Reginald Thomas highlights family support and youth programs offered through the Outreach and Restorative Justice Center.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Youth gun violence remains a concern in Bibb County, and local leaders are working to keep young people out of danger.

Through outreach efforts, including the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office’s Outreach and Restorative Justice Center, officials are working to reach at-risk youth, address conflicts and provide resources to help prevent violence before it happens.  

“It’s happening too frequently, and with too much ease,” said Lt. Reginald Thomas with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office. “So, that kind of gives you the spirit of the children we’re dealing with. And that’s a very concerning issue for all of us.”

Thomas says many young people lack proper guidance and direction, making them more vulnerable to falling into temptation and making choices that could lead to violence.

“They just don’t have the right spirit,” he said. “They buy into the life they see on social media or in music. Some of them just don’t know better; they don’t have enough respect for life. Some of them are being taught the right way and raised the right way, but then when you’re confronted with this type of spirit and evilness, how do they respond, so they also have to protect themselves. I’m not saying it’s right, I’m just saying this is what’s happening.”

Thomas says the outreach renter provides young people with access to resources and support designed to help them make positive choices and stay away from violence. 

“Such as Consider the Consequences, PROPS (Positive Restorative Outreach Program), which is a family program,” he said. “We have the P.A.L, Police Athletic League. Explore programs where kids that are in high school can mimic us, learn from us, train with us, and learn how the work of a police officer is done.”

Thomas says parents play the biggest role in creating change. 

“It takes time to raise children,” he said. “You have to invest in your children. What you put in your children spiritually will come out in their spirit. So, if you put good and positive things in them, I promise you, you will get good and positive things out of them. Raise your child up in the direction you want them to go. We as parents have to take control, and it does take a village, so even if it’s not your child, speak positively in that child.”