Richmond major crime is down again

Homicide Report

Major crime in Richmond was down 9 percent last year compared with 2007, marking the city's fifth consecutive annual decrease in violent crimes and property crimes.

Chief Bryan T. Norwood and other police officials credited strong relationships with other law-enforcement agencies, a successful approach to community policing and a sharp focus on long prison sentences for violent offenders.

A big highlight was the 42 percent drop in homicides recorded by police -- from 55 killings in 2007 to 32 last year. That made 2008 the city's least deadly year since the early 1970s. Some police officials also credit improved and constant interaction between crime analysts and sector lieutenants, which has helped police spot patterns and zero in on trouble spots.

"It allows us to hit something quickly before it has a chance to get out of hand," said Lt. Jack King, acting commander of the city's 1st Precinct, which includes parts of South Richmond and the city's East End.

Some patrol supervisors add that the department has gotten better not only at fighting crime, but also at reporting it. In the past several years, they say, police have gradually put more emphasis on disproving false reports of crimes, whereas they used to lean in favor of recording even doubtful crime reports.

For example, someone might lend his car in exchange for drugs, then report the car stolen when the car isn't brought back on time, said Lt. Emmett Williams. Other examples are someone who gives someone else money for drugs and then reports a robbery when he doesn't receive what he paid for, or a prostitute who doesn't get paid for her services and reports that she was robbed.

Good police work means disproving bogus claims, just as it means investigating real crimes, Williams said.

"If the crime didn't happen, we want the city to know it didn't happen," King added.

In 2008, police reported a 14 percent drop in violent crimes, a category that includes homicides, rapes, robberies and aggravated assaults.

Property crimes -- arson, burglary, larceny and auto theft -- were down 8 percent.

Major crimes is a category made up of violent crimes and property crimes.

Each type of major crime was down last year in Richmond, except arsons, which were up from 49 in 2007 to 59 in 2008.

"We clearly want the message put out there that Richmond is not the place to carry guns, deal drugs and be involved in violence," police Maj. John Venuti said.

Norwood, who became chief in November, yesterday also announced several initiatives for this year. He said he plans to enhance community policing efforts and improve accountability among officers and residents.

The chief also said he is launching several new programs, including a martial arts program for children, as well as a program that emphasizes cooperation between police and social services professionals to restore neighborhoods to normalcy after a traumatic event.

"We're looking to make everybody in the community a part of the solution," Norwood said.

Contact Reed Williams at (804) 649-6332 or .