WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Youth violence in Wichita is growing in concern among law enforcement. Several deadly shootings have happened in the last eight days, many involving teens.

"It's very concerning, obviously, not only just for patrol east but for the entire department," Wichita Police Department Captain Chad Beard said.

To prevent youth from getting caught in that cycle, Wichita police rely on a Juvenile Intervention Unit. It consists of two officers who specifically deal with youth who are susceptible to getting involved in gun violence.

"They get to know these kids, they can provide mentorship. They can also see when they're struggling, when things are going wrong, and try to get them out of that situation beforehand," Beard said.

Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter says the prob

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