Supporters are rallying around a new data-driven “carrot and stick” program that aims to curb gun violence in Chester, writes Vinny Vella for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

The initiative from the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, Chester Partnership for Safe Neighborhoods, launches next month.

The approach increases law enforcement pressure on those carrying weapons and their associates, while offering housing, food, education , therapy and jobs to teens surrounded by criminal activity.

“And if we can stop them because we’re giving them a better alternative, or we can stop them because we’re going to arrest his ass. It doesn’t matter to me,” said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.

“But at the end of the day,” he said, “we got to get them to stop shooting each other.”

Chester resident Jean-Pierre Brice, whose mistakes as a kid landed him in state prison, is the community resource consultant for the program, spreading its message to Chester’s young people.

“Somebody has to want to listen,” he said. “These kids don’t want to be a detriment to their lives and their families’ lives. So, you know, you have to give options.”

Read more about Chester’s gun violence prevention program here.

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