In Richmond lately, there have been several deadly shootings in our beloved city. Reasons for many have yet to be determined.

There is never a reason, to me, to take someone’s life unless in self defense. But this does not seem to fit the motives in these cases.

Richmond Police cannot stop these violent people by themselves. Help is needed. We must be the eyes and ears for them so that they can apprehend these violent criminals.

Many of these violent criminals are juveniles who have no respect for human life.

These types of violent crimes must be curtailed with our help. We cannot just turn our heads and think it doesn’t impact you because next time it might just be you. You then would hope that someone would tell the police what they saw so they could apprehend the criminals. This goes both ways.

We are talking about how COVID-19 is killing many people, but we also are killing one another through violence. This string of violence must stop. Various areas of the city are being hit with this rash of violence and it has become disturbing.

Let’s give law enforcement our help and get these criminals off the street. Each life is precious. Remember, they are someone’s loved one.

ERNEST PARKER JR.

Richmond

The writer is a former interim superintendent of the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center.