News (Media Awareness Project) - US NC: Editorial: Unwanted 'Up' Trend |
| Title: | US NC: Editorial: Unwanted 'Up' Trend |
| Published On: | 2002-08-26 |
| Source: | Herald-Sun, The (Durham, NC) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-01-22 13:54:38 |
UNWANTED 'UP' TREND
Fueled by drug addictions, and no doubt an anemic economy that continues to
limp along, the percentage of violent crimes such as murder, rape and
robbery jumped 13 percent in Durham for the first six months of 2002.
Overall, crime was down 2 percent, but violent crimes are the ones that
send chills along the spines of law-abiding citizens.
The number of robberies, an almost certain indicator of increased drug
addictions and economic troubles, rose by 23 percent, and was largely
responsible for the overall increase in violent crimes. Reported rapes
increased 84 percent - 46 for the first six months of 2002 compared with 25
in 2001. The number of murders was unchanged with 15, the same number
recorded during the first six months of 2001.
News of the increase in violent crimes could not have come at a more
discomforting time. Durham is without a permanent police chief after Greg
Watkins resigned last week amid revelations that two of his five ex-wives
had accused him of domestic violence. Watkins' resignation came about two
weeks before he was scheduled to start the job.
City Manager Marcia Conner needs to move quickly to fill the job with
permanent leadership. A community showing an increase in violent crimes
must employ the kind of sustained crime-fighting strategies that only a
permanent police chief can direct.
The Police Department must also have help from the community. Residents
must be watchful and report suspicious activity to police. The judicial
system must also do its part by sending the message that lawlessness will
not be tolerated in Durham.
But the courts sent the wrong message Thursday when they released David
McCoy on a paltry $10,000 secured bond. McCoy's alleged crime? He walked
into the John Avery Boys and Girls Club on Grant Street and shot Chappriel
Pitt twice. Sending a stern message to violent criminals through the courts
is as effective as good police work. Violent criminals must know that they
will receive heavy prison time for acts of violence against Durham residents.
Fueled by drug addictions, and no doubt an anemic economy that continues to
limp along, the percentage of violent crimes such as murder, rape and
robbery jumped 13 percent in Durham for the first six months of 2002.
Overall, crime was down 2 percent, but violent crimes are the ones that
send chills along the spines of law-abiding citizens.
The number of robberies, an almost certain indicator of increased drug
addictions and economic troubles, rose by 23 percent, and was largely
responsible for the overall increase in violent crimes. Reported rapes
increased 84 percent - 46 for the first six months of 2002 compared with 25
in 2001. The number of murders was unchanged with 15, the same number
recorded during the first six months of 2001.
News of the increase in violent crimes could not have come at a more
discomforting time. Durham is without a permanent police chief after Greg
Watkins resigned last week amid revelations that two of his five ex-wives
had accused him of domestic violence. Watkins' resignation came about two
weeks before he was scheduled to start the job.
City Manager Marcia Conner needs to move quickly to fill the job with
permanent leadership. A community showing an increase in violent crimes
must employ the kind of sustained crime-fighting strategies that only a
permanent police chief can direct.
The Police Department must also have help from the community. Residents
must be watchful and report suspicious activity to police. The judicial
system must also do its part by sending the message that lawlessness will
not be tolerated in Durham.
But the courts sent the wrong message Thursday when they released David
McCoy on a paltry $10,000 secured bond. McCoy's alleged crime? He walked
into the John Avery Boys and Girls Club on Grant Street and shot Chappriel
Pitt twice. Sending a stern message to violent criminals through the courts
is as effective as good police work. Violent criminals must know that they
will receive heavy prison time for acts of violence against Durham residents.
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