CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW)-  The crowd was small, but the topic big Tuesday evening as people in the community met with Clarksville Police to discuss gun violence in Clarksville.

Captain Leanne Wilson, Commander of Special Operations and Sgt. Nick Newman of the Special Operations Homicide Unit, both with 22 years of service at CPD, spoke about crime rates and prevention, police and community relationships, gun laws, juvenile violence, gang activities, and how to prevent gun violence in Clarksville. They also touched on witness cooperation, retaliation and other topics those in attendance asked about.

The Community Forum on Gun Violence was held on Tuesday, December 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church at 1750 Needmore Road. While several government officials were invited it was noted that few showed up.

“It was a positive conversation,” said David Hooks, founder of Reclaiming Our Clarksville Community R.O.CC.,) a local non-profit organization that focuses on helping families affected by gun violence and the youth in the community. “We had a small turnout and wish we had more people here, but we have to start somewhere.”

Several families of murder victim’s families were in attendance and shared their personal stories. In 2019, there have been approximately 18 homicides, the majority caused by gun violence.

Newman reassured the community CPD was taking guns and drugs off the streets and urged them to do their part in reporting crimes and helping police. Vehicle burglary where guns are left in unlocked cars are a big source of guns ending up on the street, Newman and Wilson said. They also said that illegal gun sales and gun shop burglaries are other sources of guns ending up on the street.

“The community can prevent gun violence by protecting their weapons,” Newman said. ” Lock up your guns.”

Those in attendance stood and spoke about responsibly raising children.

“If you’re not correcting your children and what’s going on in your home, what is Clarksville Police going to do about it,”said Dwight Jemison. “People need to start raising their children right.”

Despite the low turnout, it was encouraged to not let it deter those in attendance from continuing to ask questions and participate in community events to deter gun violence and mentor the youth.

“We have to come together as a community and hold ourselves and our children accountable,” said Demone Chestnut, a CMCSS teacher and former CPD detective. “We can’t necessarily wait on the government. … there’s usually a faithful few who show up and let’s not worry or wait, but keep these faithful few we have and move forward. Don’t give up on ourselves.”

Newman and Wilson both agreed that it would take the community coming together and working together to fight the war on gun violence.