Ottawa gangs and the rising number of shootings

This week, CBC Ottawa will look at several facets of gang activity in the city and the use of crime guns in our series, "Under the Gun."

In 2014, there were49 cases of shots fired in Ottawa a record number forone year. That has pushed Ottawa police Chief Charles Bordeleauand Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson to hold several meetings to deal with the issue of guns and gangs in Ottawa.

That includes additional staff in the Ottawa police's guns and gangs unit.

• PART ONE |Ottawa's gang violence result of power struggles over drug trade, rivalries
• Homicides low despite record number of shootings
• Exit strategy for young adults in gangs needed to fight gun violence

Our four-part series looks at the cogs in the wheel of Ottawa's guns and gangs problem. You can find details of the series below.

To join the conversation, follow and tweet#UndertheGun on Twitterand visit the CBC Ottawa Facebook page.

You can follow our reporters Stu Mills, Judy Trinh and Ashley Burke for more information as the week unfolds.

We also want to hear from you. Tell us your story by sending anemail to cbcnewsottawa@cbc.ca.

What's happening with Ottawa gangs?

On Tuesday, Judy Trinhlooks at what's behind the sharp rise in gunfire in 2014 and the connection to Ottawa gangs.

In this clip, StaffSgt. Ken Bryden from the Ottawa police guns and gangs unit talks about the current gang situation.

• On mobile? Click here to hear about Ottawa'scurrent gang situation.

Where are the guns coming from?

On Wednesday, Ashley Burke examines where the guns are coming from and who's pulling the trigger.

In this clip, a local man speaking on the condition of anonymity discusses what he's seen on Ottawa streets and what motivates people to own guns.

• On mobile? Click here to hear from a local resident on guns.

How do shooting incidents affectOttawa residents?

On Thursday, we look at the people living in communities ravaged by gangs and crime guns. Stu Mills and Ashley Burke look at the neighbourhoods where the shots are being fired and how the violence ischanging those communities.

In this clip, local resident Anita Wade talks about living on Penny Driveand recalls a recent nearby shooting incident.

• On mobile? Click here to hear about the recent shooting incident.

How do children or young men stay away from gangs?

On Friday, Steve Fischer and Stu Mills finish our series by looking at what is being done to keep young men out of gangs, and at one community that made an anti-gang strategy stick.

We also look at what people would like to see done in their neighbourhoods.

• On mobile? Has a recent shooting happened near where you or people you know live?