Police & community leaders team-up

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Community leaders are working closely with the Providence Police Department to crackdown on violence in the city.

On Friday, Police Chief Dean Esserman met with clergy members and other local agencies, including the Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence, to discuss a new partnership aimed at promoting peace throughout the community.

Pastor Jeff Williams of the Cathedral of Life says it's important for nonviolence advocates to work closely with police.

"The power of convening...convening these people who are actually doing all the work on the ground in this city."

Williams praised recent initiatives by police, including the recent gun buyback program, the department's effort  to recruit more minority officers, and the push to get young people to buy into the nonviolence movement.

"It was very humbling and inspiring at the same time."

The groups hope to come together monthly or quarterly to expand the program.