ROCKFORD, Illinois (WTVO) — New statistics show Rockford’s crime-fighting strategy may be working, but the police chief and mayor say there’s still a lot to do. increase.
The city has already seen an increase in violence this year so far, but most of last year’s crimes are down compared to 2021.
“We are buying more technology to double our power on the streets,” Mayor Tom McNamara said. A camera that gives us more opportunities to look to and get great camera footage of the people we want in our community to make people in our community.
Violent crime in 2022 is down 8% from the previous year. McNamara credits this to new technology, which has increased the use of gunshot detection software in more areas and increased the number of police officers on the streets.
38% of those violent crimes were domestic crimes. Although the numbers may seem high, Police Chief Carla Redd is proud that more survivors are coming forward.
“When you see the efforts being made across the city to help survivors of domestic violence, it’s just huge given that they feel more comfortable and are coming forward and asking for help,” he said. Red said.
The number of robberies has also dropped, but Red said that wasn’t enough.
The number of robberies was a bit disappointing,” she said. “As I said, yes, we saw a slight decline there. I think it was 4%. That’s not good enough for us.”
McNamara believes the root cause of most of the violence is in the young people watching it at home.The goal is to help end the circle of violence while they are young.
“Guns, car thieves, home invasions. 60 to 75 percent of those young people grew up in homes where there was physical or sexual violence,” he said. “Whatever the trauma, they deserve hope and opportunity, and we must invest heavily and purposefully in it.”
McNamara and Red emphasized the importance of everyone working together to fight crime. They urged people to use the “Tip 411” app.
If you are a victim of domestic or sexual violence, please click here Stateline Strong Page for resources.
