The U.S. Department of Justice recently announced that homicides by youth under 17 years of age tripled between 1984 and 1994 and that guns are used in 8 of 10 juvenile murder cases. Murder is the second leading cause of death among teenagers, after automobile accidents, and accounts for more teenage deaths than all natural causes combined. Young black males are especially affected by handgun violence. Police departments need to work closely with community groups to prevent violence. As part of an effort to reach out to the general population, a gun task force has been established in Pittsburgh. This task force is experimenting with various approaches, including radio and television advertisements with an 800 number that people can call anonymously to report illegal guns. In Charleston, South Carolina, the police department has started an innovative program to keep guns out of schools and off the streets. Financed by money from several local business, the police department pays $100 to any student who provides information on illegal handguns. Factors responsible for the rise in juvenile violence are considered, including lack of parental supervision, drugs, and self-esteem. The need to combat youth violence through early prevention rather than by building more jail cells is discussed. 1 photograph