Pubdate: Sun, 13 Jan 2002
Source: Daily Reflector (NC)
Copyright: 2002 Daily Reflector
Contact:  http://www.reflector.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1456

RIGHT APPROACH - COUNCIL'S TACK ON CRIME SUITS CITY INTERESTS

The Greenville City Council and the Police Community Relations Board 
deserve credit for bringing citizens together Wednesday evening to discuss 
one of the greatest challenges the city faces. By hearing broad concerns 
from neighborhood associations and community watch groups, council members 
should better understand the scope of the city's crime problem.

That is an intelligent, measured approach to an issue with an emotional 
edge. And that is what has been lacking in City Hall's response to 
disturbing questions about public safety.

A state report showed crime in Greenville rose 16.3 percent in 2000, the 
highest increase among North Carolina's 15 largest cities. An FBI report 
has ranked Greenville first in the state in murders, aggravated assaults 
and larcenies, and fourth in the nation in property crimes.

Clearly, public safety is an issue that must be a priority. Yet instead of 
reasoned voices, members of the former City Council alternately offered 
posturing and a deaf ear. At the time, there was no forum for honest, 
fact-based discussion.

At this week's meeting, organized by a City Council to which voters made 
dramatic change in November, that discussion finally came. Both citizens 
and elected officials did their respective parts.

Speakers noted problems ranging from street-corner drug deals and random 
gunfire to senseless property crime and vandalism. They talked about 
collective concerns and aired individual fears. The candor of their remarks 
should help council members and citizens see that public safety requires a 
citywide solution. And their comments articulated a broad vision for 
confronting crime on every corner, not just where it is most visible or 
most prominent.

Council members listened intently and took suggestions in an open-minded 
manner. There was no grandstanding, nor were there sweeping critiques with 
far-flung solutions. Rather, there was study and context for deciding a 
future direction.

Ultimately, this newly elected City Council will be judged on its record in 
reducing crime and making city streets safer. That record will rest on the 
efficacy of the actions it chooses to take. But step one is a reasoned 
discussion of facts and an open airing of fears. That is what Greenville 
has needed for some time, and finally, it has happened.

That should nurture a level of confidence in the decisions that lie ahead.
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MAP posted-by: Beth