DA's community initiative aims for zero homicides in five Black Belt counties

District Attorney Robert Turner Jr. has unveiled “Project Zero,” a community-driven initiative with an ambitious goal: zero homicides across five counties. 

Speaking with the Black Belt News Network, Turner emphasized the urgency of addressing the region’s “uncharacteristic number of violent crimes” that have occurred despite a downward trend in homicides. 

“I don’t take credit for (decreased homicides),” Turner said. “I believe the community has awakened, and we are all trying to make a concerted effort.” 

Project Zero spans the Fourth Judicial District, which is Bibb, Dallas, Hale, Perry and Wilcox counties, with Turner’s office spearheading efforts to unite law enforcement, educators, nonprofits and mental health professionals in a shared mission. 

Stakeholder meetings have become a cornerstone of the initiative. These meetings bring together diverse voices, from law enforcement and school officials to mothers of crime victims, to identify root causes and develop proactive strategies.  

Turner said retaliatory violence and untreated trauma among youth are key concerns. Officials are looking to embed mental health counselors in schools and initiate peer-to-peer mentoring programs led by formerly incarcerated individuals. 

Turner’s office has already begun outreach in schools across the region, aiming to educate students on the consequences of criminal behavior and provide support before issues escalate.  

“Let’s get them (youth) before they get in trouble to begin with,” Turner said, echoing a common refrain among local mentoring groups. 

Alongside Project Zero, Turner’s Helping Families Initiative targets truancy, a known precursor to students dropping out, which he said in turn leads to criminal activity.  

“Idle hands are the devil’s workshop,” Turner said. The program has sparked increased communication between schools and parents, streamlining absentee reporting and reducing misunderstandings. 

Meanwhile, Turner’s office has made significant strides in clearing a backlog of over 10,000 cases, cutting that number in half over the past two years. “We’re pulling things out of the closet and putting it in one place,” Turner said. “Now we’re doing the sorting.” 

The next Project Zero stakeholders meeting is scheduled for Sept. 29 at 5 p.m. at the Dallas County Courthouse, 105 Lauderdale St. in Selma, in the third-floor courtroom. Turner encourages anyone invested in community safety, regardless of background or profession, to attend.  

“If you want to see change and become involved, there’s a space and a place for you,” Turner said. 

As Project Zero gains momentum, Turner’s message is clear: real change begins with collective action, early intervention and a shared commitment to a safer, stronger community. 

“We want to be known for something else,” Turner said. “Not our violence, but our non-violence.”