The Keep The Peace program is a youth gun violence prevention and awareness program taught to ninth graders in the Hampton Public School System.  The program utilizes three community agencies to teach students about gun laws, the consequences of carrying and using a gun and what happens to people who get shot.

The Keep The Peace gun violence prevention and awareness program is brought into the classroom for three one hour sessions on three consecutive days.  The program is presented by members of the Police Division, the Commonwealth's Attorney's office, and staff from the local hospital emergency room.   Keep The Peace presenters offer students real life scenarios, complete with slides of actual gunshot wounds and tangible medical apparatus that many victims of gun violence are often dependent on for the rest of their lives.  Police personnel introduce the program citing national and local statistics concerning incidences of youth involvement with firearms.  The Commonwealth's Attorney discusses the laws surrounding gun possession and usage, as well as the legal consequences that one will face if caught with a gun.  Medical personnel present a detailed, graphic slide show of actual gunshot wounds while explaining the medical repercussions the victims of gunshots must endure.  Goals of the Keep The Peace program include gun violence prevention, increased awareness of gun laws and dangers, and exposure to problem solving and anger management tips.

Mission

• Educate young persons about the options choices and consequences of gun violence.
• Offer real life examples of gun related crimes, victims, and the consequences that ensue.
• Increase awareness among youths concerning gun laws.
• Offer possible solutions and alternatives to solving problems and controlling anger.

For more information, please email chiefsoffice@hampton.gov or call (757) 727-6510.