04/12/21

Dear Friend:

Closing the gap between Greensboro’s potential and reality with regard to safety will not happen overnight.  But I express appreciation to the Greensboro City Councilmembers who took important steps in that direction when they joined with me in approving 16 new officer positions and increases in police officer pay at this past Tuesday’s Council meeting.  These two actions have been described by the Police Chief as critical in helping: (1) lower the homicide rate, which for two consecutive years has been the highest in the City’s history; (2) improve response times; and (3) improve the ability of officers to engage in community and proactive policing.

Here is a short article by WFDD, the Triad’s National Public Radio affiliate, on the topic.

To be clear, our work is not done.  The City must execute on hiring the vacant positions.  I stand ready to help solve problems that arise during that process.  But it isn’t enough to just put more officers on the street.  We also have to tackle root causes of crime like the lack of jobs and safe and affordable housing.  And we will continue to work to adopt best practices and understand community concerns.  I’ll keep pushing for monthly work sessions on crime to make sure the City Council’s actions offer real solutions to these critical issues.  

Substance over symbolism.  Effective Leadership for Real Progress. 

Sincerely,

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