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Durham Police to Present Q2 Crime Report Amid Spike in Youth Shootings
By Drooid · · How we work
Rising Violence Prompts a City-Council Briefing
Following two deadly shootings on consecutive days and a third gun incident earlier in the week, Durham police will deliver their second-quarter crime report to the City Council during a Thursday work session. The report, already posted online, indicates that violent crime has risen compared with the same period last year. Police Chief Stephanie R. Mardis is slated to lead the presentation.
Data Highlights Surge in Youth Shootings
- The department’s statistics show a notable increase in violent offenses, including a rise in shootings involving minors.
- As of mid-September, Durham police reported that 16 children younger than 18 have been shot this year.
- The quarterly data also note a significant number of arrests and other law-enforcement actions, reflecting intensified policing efforts.
Police Leadership Outlines Priorities
Chief Mardis emphasized her department’s focus: “My main priorities will be to reduce violent crime, nurture community trust internally and externally, and build upon the amazing progress we’ve made with recruiting and retention.” — Stephanie R. Mardis, police chief
Community Advocates Call for Immediate Action
Local leaders argue that existing data should be leveraged now rather than delayed by additional studies. Executive director Tiffany Swoope of the nonprofit Graced Inc. urged city officials to allocate resources promptly, stressing that “we don’t have time to waste time for them to do more surveys, more summits.” — Tiffany Swoope, Graced Inc.
Parents such as Vanessa Van Pelt expressed mixed feelings about gun ownership, acknowledging the perceived need for protection while emphasizing responsible handling. Pastor Cornelius Battle highlighted long-standing concerns about youth exposure to firearms, noting his five-year effort to distribute free gun locks through his church.
Voices from the Community
- “If there's a weapon in the house, it needs to be secure so they can't get into it,” — Pastor Cornelius Battle
- “Go the other way. Find an adult as quickly as possible,” — Van Pelt
- “We don't have time to waste time for them to do more surveys, more summits,” — Tiffany Swoope, executive director of the nonprofit Graced Inc
- “They need to use the data that they already have, put some money behind it, and let's put a stop to the gun violence in this community.” — Tiffany Swoope, executive director of the nonprofit Graced Inc
These statements capture the urgency felt by residents and nonprofit leaders as Durham confronts a troubling uptick in gun-related violence.
