Safe communities plan cites low victimization rate, targets youth violence and panhandling strategies

Mary presented the safe communities business plan and emphasized both measured outcomes and perceptions of safety. She cited a striking statistic intended for public messaging: "99.9967% chance of not being a victim of crime in Hampton," and said the city wants to improve how that information is communicated to residents while continuing to track violent-crime rates, clearance rates and perception metrics.

The plan recommends sustaining a regional youth violence prevention initiative, targeting gang membership through identification, enforcement and prevention, and pursuing legislative changes (through the Virginia Municipal League) to provide tools to address panhandling in risky areas. On fire and EMS goals, staff proposed AED installations in 30 city facilities and training targets for city employees and residents. Council members asked for status updates on AED installations and how perception and data reporting will be coordinated with communications staff.