Our new mayor got some time to spotlight RVA on NPR’s Weekend Edition yesterday. Read or listen here →
GARCIA-NAVARRO: Delving into some of the statistics of Richmond has been interesting. Like many cities across America, you are seeing an increase in violent crime, 17 percent increase from 2015 to 2016. Why are those numbers going up?
STONEY: Well, you know, for many years, crime has been very low here in Richmond. I think in those lean years, unfortunately, though, we took our foot off the gas and did not provide our police department with the proper staffing levels but also with the proper pay to get the job done. But additionally, I think we have to redouble our efforts in community policing. That means putting more people back on the beat connecting with their communities but also investing in leveraging technology out there as well, like a lot of other cities.
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I don’t think a drop in staffing levels explains the rise in crime. Hiring more may address the symptoms but it won’t affect the causes.
But it’s an impossible question. No one has any idea why crime went up anymore than they know why it had been going down in the decade before that.
My friend and I think we should put officers back walking a beat, that it would curb a lot of criminal activity in Church Hill. I, personally, have experienced events (dog attacks, personal assault) on the street while walking my dogs that may have been avoided if officers were out of their car and walking a beat.
It takes being aware of what your surrondigs are, being street wise, Not just walking out with blinders on. not knowing what’s around you.