Keeping Crime Down in Rocky Mount

By: Marisela Burgos/Eyewitness News 9 | WNCT
Published: January 28, 2008

Last year, Rocky Mount investigated 14 homicides, in 9 of them, arrests were made. Detectives say they are doing the best they can to keep crime down, but they need the cities help and the issues they are facing within the community.

Police Chief John Manley updated the city council about crime within the city, saying it's down by 11-percent. But, there are those criminals that keep repeating.

While Manley says, it may not seem like crime is down to the public, it is. Detectives answer the calls, investigate the crimes, and use the programs they have in place to the best of their abilities. But they still need help.

The department wants harsher punishments for criminals who use guns to commit a crime. Out of the 14 homicides last year 10 involved guns. They also are seeking to get higher bonds for criminals and they want more neighborhood watch programs.

The City Council agrees the Police Department is doing a good job to combat crime, but they think they still need to work together to continue the positive results.

Hopefully criminals will start to get the hint that crime is not tolerated in Rocky Mount. Also during the meeting, Chief Manley encouraged faith-based groups to take a more active role.