Detroit Patrols Could Double After Deadly Day
DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee says he expects more officers to be on the streets after a 24-hour period packed with gun violence that left six people dead and nine wounded around the city.
Godbee told WDIV-TV in a telephone interview that changes could double the number of officers on the streets between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m..
Speaking to WWJ Newsradio 950, Detroit Police Inspector Charles Wilson says they will increase their patrol in certain targeted areas, if the extended hours are approved by the union and management.
Related: Local Activists Voice Concern Over Detroit Crime
Is this the solution to crime in the city? Detroit city council president Charles Pugh offered his ideas during a live interview on WWJ Newsradio 950.
"Preventing violence is the best way," said Pugh.
"Yes, we do need more police officers on the street. But once that police patrol car moves off that block and out of that neighborhood, then it becomes incumbent upon every family, every neighborhood, every church, every school to step up, every community organization. We need to do more."
Pugh said the recent wave of violence is frustrating.
"Because when you work so hard as a city to make progress and attract jobs and fix schools and fix neighborhoods, it's distressing when situations between individuals deteriorate to the point where there has to be violence," he said.
In response to claims from residents that many city streets are dark at night, Pugh says that the city's public lighting system is "broken" and Detroit should get out of the electricity business.
