The state police commissioner united with a former prisoner and others on Friday to come up with ideas on how to stop the cycle of violence in Bridgeport.

Myron Dukes, a former felon who went to prison for his role in a deadly robbery, took part in an anti-violence meeting with a group of individuals that included elected officials and police.

The group will spend two years and $500,000 trying to end the cycle of gun violence in Bridgeport.

Marilyn Moore, a state senator who's running for mayor, wants to know where kids are getting guns. She pointed to a shooting on Newfield Avenue last month as an example.

"Somebody in the crowd had said, 'I'm going to get a gun,’” Moore says. “They mentioned the street; it was around the corner. So if guns are that readily accessible, somebody's bringing them in."

For Myron Dukes, the effort represents a way to stop the cycle of violence in which he formerly took part.

"Coming home, as a returning citizen, I had an obligation to help my city,” Dukes says. “At the end of the day, I really love my city.”

One way Myron Dukes tries to reach young people is by hosting a podcast, all about Bridgeport.