Violence prevention group to meet at Columbia City Hall

COLUMBIA, Mo.

The Office of Violence Prevention Youth Advisory Council is set to meet at City Hall on Thursday for training and technical assistance from the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform.

Last month, the group hosted an introductory meeting with stakeholders from across Columbia to evaluate violence reduction efforts, establish shared definitions for community violence intervention, and identify strengths and areas where the city’s approach could improve.

At last month’s meeting, the group briefly discussed a gun violence program analysis being conducted by the NICJR. The study, which is being conducted in partnership with the Columbia Police Department, is expected to help guide future strategies to reduce violence in the city.

Organizers said insights gathered during that meeting will inform a report that NICJR plans to deliver to the city in the coming months.

A community violence intervention program will also provide an update.

The Neighborhood Opportunity and Community Accountability Proconsul, known as NoCap, was formed in May 2025 by the Office of Violence Prevention Advisory Board to bring resources to identified areas.

At the end of March, NoCap hosted its “Spring Break Jump Off” at Indian Hills Park, aiming to bring the east side of Columbia together. Markus Williams, a NoCap member, said events like this are important for changing perceptions.

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