Pubdate: Mon, 26 Aug 2002
Source: Herald-Sun, The (Durham, NC)
Copyright: 2002 The Herald-Sun
Contact:  http://www.herald-sun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1428

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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom