Detroit Murder, Gun Violence Rate Climbing
DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit's Police Chief says the climbing rate of murder and gun violence in the city is "troubling".
According to a new report by Detroit Police, the murder rate in the city is up 15 percent from last year at this time, with more than 180 homicides as of July 10.
Talking to WWJ Newsradio 950's Jayne Bower, Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee said he's especially concerned about the increase in gun violence in the city.
"What's troubling about that is the fact that, in some instances, it's not narcotic-related, it's not gang-related, but it's simply adults or persons that have had disputes. And when the last person doesn't get the last word or the last punch, then someone results to going to get a gun to settle it," Godbee said.
The Chief is holding the second in a series of Town Hall meetings, Tuesday evening, at which he will release major crime stats and discuss solutions.
"We have to have an involved community," Godbee said. "Witnesses to crimes, people who know information but in times past have abided by a 'no snitch' code ... and then apprising the community of what kind of anonymous crime reporting tools we have."
Godbee said he hopes increased communication between police and the community will help to build trust, and help get dangerous criminals off the streets.
Godbee invites residents to join him and other members of the Police Department to discuss the latest crime stats Tuesday, from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Fellowship Chapel on West Outer Drive.
