Durham PD to travel to Boston following crime report
DURHAM (WTVD) -- Members of the Durham Police Department are travelling to Boston to learn how that city deals with violent crime.
The trip comes on the heels of the latest crime report that shows a spike in violent crime in Durham.
Durham city officials and the police department know that people are concerned about crime in the Bull City. Monday's coverage of a murdered Durham man is a reminder that citizens want action, not just more talk.
The District Attorney, the police department, and community leaders drew up the plans for a visit to Boston in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Justice.
"I think they looked at the fact that we have a high rate of violent crime, we had homicides, they thought that Boston would be an appropriate city for us to take a first look at," said Durham Mayor Bill Bell.
"There are some pretty interesting things going on at the community level in Boston," said Pastor Mark Anthony Middleton. "There a 10-point coalition going on in Boston that's had remarkable success when it comes to gang violence. And we know a good percentage of our problems here in Durham is purportedly related to gang activity."
Organizers say there are other vital items beside dealing with gang activity on the Durham delegation's Boston agenda.
"Not just safety, but just a better quality of life for all our community," said Middleton.
"There are a whole lot of people working to keep the lights on in young black men's lives," Middleton said. "But we've got a lot of work to do."
