JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – With less than a month into the new year, 11 people have lost their lives to violence in Jackson.

Leaders in the capital city believe that being proactive, rather than reactive could mean the difference between life and death.

The city’s recent homicide happened on Bay Street Sunday evening. A man had been shot at the location.

Councilman Kenneth Stokes, Ward 3, believes this particular crime could have been prevent had the city left concrete barricades at the entrance of the street. He said the Community Improvement Unit needs to be back under the supervision of the Jackson Police Department (JPD).

“Why did the City of Jackson remove the barricades once the barricades were removed? Then, you had illegal dumping taking place here again and other illegal activities,” Stokes claimed.

Police said there are no suspects in the Bay Street homicide.

On Monday, Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade addressed crime during a news conference. He said it will take each individual in the community to help get a grip on crime. Wade’s goal is sto reduce crime in the capital city by half at the end of the year.