Councilman demands action as crime spikes in northeast area

During a recent government meeting, Councilman Oliver raised concerns regarding rising crime rates in the northeast area, particularly citing recent shootings and a lack of police engagement with the community. He emphasized the need for floodlights on Carter and Lamont Streets, areas that have seen a significant increase in complaints from residents. Oliver expressed frustration over the perceived inaction of police officers, who he claimed were often seen sitting in their cars rather than actively patrolling and engaging with the community.

The council discussed the allocation of overtime funds for police deployment in high-crime areas, with Oliver urging that these resources be effectively utilized to enhance community safety. He highlighted the importance of officers being visible and approachable, noting that residents feel neglected and unsafe due to the lack of proactive policing.

In response to Oliver's inquiries, the police chief confirmed that the department applies annually for funding aimed at crime reduction and that they utilize these funds to deploy additional officers during peak crime times. The chief also mentioned that the department conducts regular assessments to identify areas needing increased police presence.

Additionally, the meeting addressed a resolution to approve a grant application for $61,839.12 from the state of Delaware, which would fund advanced and specialized training for police officers. This training aims to enhance the skills of patrol officers, investigators, and specialized units, with no matching funds required from the city.

The council plans to vote on the resolution at their next meeting, with Councilwoman Oliver expressing her intention to co-sponsor the training initiative. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges of crime in the northeast area and the critical need for improved community policing strategies.