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Media Contact: Tameka Kenan-Norman Chief Communications and Marketing Officer (252) 972-1333 tameka.norman@rockymountnc.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 13, 2018 Rocky Mount Police tout reduction in crimes and highest clearance rate since the 90’s Rocky Mount, N.C .-Rocky Mount crime statistics decreased during the year Interim Police Chief Willie Williams has been in office. Williams, who will step down from his interim post Dec. 31 before George Robinson takes the same position Jan. 2, 2019, was part of a police department leadership group that shared the latest crime statistics at the Dec. 12 Rocky Mount City Council meeting. Rocky Mount Police outlined year-to-date statistics from Nov. 30, 2017-Nov. 30, 2018, and results showed an 18% dip (395 cases) in crimes throughout the city. The largest reductions in crimes included non-residential breaking and entering (39%), commercial breaking and entering (28%), arson (23%) and property damage (22%). A total of 395 fewer crimes were committed in 2018 compared to the same period in 2017. The department had a clearance rate of 64% from Nov. 30, 2017-Nov. 30, 2018 – the highest mark since the late 1990s. Its clearance rate at the same time in 2017 was 23%. Of the 14 major categories outlined, 13 have experienced reductions within their five-year averages since 2013. "We’re not big on stats, but we’re big on safety," Williams said. "That’s our main concern – the safety of our citizens." Williams said despite the perception of some, the department has always followed national guidelines in reporting statistics. The city of Rocky Mount is benefitting from Williams’ installment of the Homicide and Cold Case units that were formed in March. Eight of the Homicide Unit’s cases have been cleared, giving the department a 73% clearance rate (the national benchmark is 61%). The Cold Case unit has reviewed eight homicides and have developed a witness in one case and sent DNA off for review in another. Operations including the Motor Vehicle Break-In Report Card have played a role in a 22% reduction in larcenies. Officers have observed unlocked vehicles and those with valuables in plain sight, written reports and shared them with residents in an effort to raise awareness about vehicle break-ins. In addition, Williams said nearly a dozen major gang leaders have been arrested in the past year. Williams said gangs are an issue every city is attempting to fix. "We’re making progress, but there is work to be done," Williams said. Rocky Mount Police leadership complimented the city’s residents for engaging the department through community outreach programs including Chat with the Chief, Coffee With A Cop and the inaugural Clergy Police Academy. ###
tameka.norman@rockymountnc.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 13, 2018
Rocky Mount, N.C
Williams, who will step down from his interim post Dec. 31 before George Robinson takes the same position Jan. 2, 2019, was part of a police department leadership group that shared the latest crime statistics at the Dec. 12 Rocky Mount City Council meeting.
Rocky Mount Police outlined year-to-date statistics from Nov. 30, 2017-Nov. 30, 2018, and results showed an 18% dip (395 cases) in crimes throughout the city.
The largest reductions in crimes included non-residential breaking and entering (39%), commercial breaking and entering (28%), arson (23%) and property damage (22%).
A total of 395 fewer crimes were committed in 2018 compared to the same period in 2017.
The department had a clearance rate of 64% from Nov. 30, 2017-Nov. 30, 2018 – the highest mark since the late 1990s. Its clearance rate at the same time in 2017 was 23%.
Of the 14 major categories outlined, 13 have experienced reductions within their five-year averages since 2013.
"We’re not big on stats, but we’re big on safety," Williams said. "That’s our main concern – the safety of our citizens."
Williams said despite the perception of some, the department has always followed national guidelines in reporting statistics.
The city of Rocky Mount is benefitting from Williams’ installment of the Homicide and Cold Case units that were formed in March.
Eight of the Homicide Unit’s cases have been cleared, giving the department a 73% clearance rate (the national benchmark is 61%).
The Cold Case unit has reviewed eight homicides and have developed a witness in one case and sent DNA off for review in another.
Operations including the Motor Vehicle Break-In Report Card have played a role in a 22% reduction in larcenies. Officers have observed unlocked vehicles and those with valuables in plain sight, written reports and shared them with residents in an effort to raise awareness about vehicle break-ins.
In addition, Williams said nearly a dozen major gang leaders have been arrested in the past year. Williams said gangs are an issue every city is attempting to fix.
"We’re making progress, but there is work to be done," Williams said.
Rocky Mount Police leadership complimented the city’s residents for engaging the department through community outreach programs including Chat with the Chief, Coffee With A Cop and the inaugural Clergy Police Academy.
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