NEWPORT NEWS — From Jan. 1 to June 30 of 2016 there were 63 total gun-related crimes, and in 2018 there were 61.
While the numbers haven’t changed much from 2016 to 2018 the police department still feels confident in their new community policing efforts, said MPO Brandon Maynard, the department’s spokesman.
Maynard said that while the overall numbers are similar, the crime rates from July 2 to Aug. 14 are down.
He attributes that to the introduction of the new police chief, Steve Drew, as well as the implementation of community policing.
Drew’s biggest concern at the moment is gun crime in the city, he expressed his unhappiness at a recent media meet and greet.
One of the major ways he is attempting to combat the gun crimes in the city is by community policing.
The police department has done several community walks where they go into the city’s neighborhoods and meet with the residents.
Maynard said that by doing this the community will trust police more and will see how much the department cares about the city.
During these walks officers have handed out information cards on their 888-LOCK-U-UP (888-562-5887) Crime Line program.
Residents can use this as well as P3tips.com to anonymously send tips report tips – since the walks, Maynard said that there has been an increase of use of the Crime Line.
By the numbers
The data for Jan. 1 – June 30, 2016 and Jan. 1 – June 30, 2018 is broken down below in map format.
Here you can see where the crimes have taken place as well as see which crimes are homicides vs. shootings (injuries or otherwise).
In 2016 there were a total of 10 gun-related homicides and 53 shootings, Maynard said.
In 2018 there were a total of 14 gun-related homicides and 47 shootings.
To learn more about the Newport News Police Department and their community efforts, click here.
