S.P.D. calls on clergy to fight crime

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Springfield Police Department is calling on religious leaders in the city to help them in their fight against violence.

This year, there have been 8 murders in Springfield . In fact, there's been 10 shootings in the city since August 11th. Two of those have been deadly.

Those are statistics that Springfield Police Officers try to fight every time they put on the uniform.

But now, S.P.D. is reaching out to the heart and soul of the city...the religious leaders and clergy that can use their services to preach about change and goodwill.

The Springfield Police Department will also focus their discussion on challenging prejudices and inequalities that can contribute to violence.

The Springfield Chapter of the NAACP had this say about violence in the city.

"Far too many residents already coping under an overwhelming flood of grief and neglect have little control over the safety of their families as a result of a thug element that has paralyzed our neighborhoods."

The meeting will be at 6:30P.M. Tuesday at the Spring of Hope Church on Alden Street.