Columbia group working to prevent violence amid spate of shootings

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Neighborhood Cipher is a local group focusing on helping youth while doing good in Columbia neighborhoods.

The Ciphers -- what members call themselves -- said that 10 shootings in Columbia already this year is concerning, but change is possible if the community comes together.

The latest violence was a west Columbia double shooting on Wednesday. One man suffered life-threatening injuries but the other man’s status is unknown. 

Columbia police have not released any suspect information but said the public is not in danger.

"If you don’t have a total resolution in any town that’s got violence you cannot change the culture," said Cipher leader Glenn Cobbins. "Nobody has the answers. We have to work as a unit to make it happen and let whoever’s doing the crime know everybody’s lives are affected."

Cobbins said forming relationships is an important step to curbing the violence.

"We get to know them personally," Cobbins said. "If you don’t know a person personally or get them to trust you the violence can never stop or even slow down for that matter." 

The Ciphers get together weekly to do volunteer work and learn how to help prevent violence.

"We’re not only making this safe but we’re taking the most disadvantaged human being alive and giving them the opportunity to be somebody," Cobbins said.

Cobbins said it's important for people to get involved and look out for their neighborhoods. 

"I don’t think there’s a textbook saying how you solve the issue," said Cobbins. "But I know it’s going to a village. It’s going to take all of us."

To get involved and help the Ciphers email neighborhoodcipher@gmail.com.