THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 21, 1996 TAG: 9601190254
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
In a very comprehensive report on the Portsmouth Police Department's crime-stopping activities, Chief Dennis Mook re-emphasized some positive news that has been overlooked while the ``most murders'' has taken the headlines.
Crime overall decreased during 1995 by 3.5 percent, the fourth year in a row that the statistics have shown as decrease. Crime now is at the same level as it was in 1988 and down 15 percent from a high recorded in 1991.
The figures reflect about 325 fewer serious crimes. So the small steps are adding up, Mook said.
In addition to good numbers, the chief said he is getting some really positive feedback from residents of the city.
``They feel safer,'' he said. ``They see more police in their neighborhoods and some of the drug dealing and other activities that have been apparent for years are gone from their street corners.''
The perception of the citizens is important. If they feel safe, they get out on their porches and their sidewalks. They communicate with each other and that probably is the best way known to keep criminals out of a neighborhood.
In addition, if they feel safe, they convey a sense of safety to others, most especially to visitors who may hesitate to come here.
The various police activities, especially the growing NEAT programs that are helping residents take back their neighborhoods, are about the most important item the city can fund.
Even though the statistics show that serious crime is not as bad as it has been, we still have to deal with the Portsmouth image, which is worse than ever. by CNB