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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom