In a recent government meeting, officials addressed a concerning rise in violent crime, particularly among juveniles, with reported incidents increasing from one last year to nine this year. Chief Collins emphasized the need for community engagement and training to ensure public safety, urging residents to voice their concerns and suggestions. He acknowledged the complexity of the issue, noting that some cases from previous years have resurfaced, contributing to the current spike in crime.

To combat this trend, the city has secured $292,000 in funding aimed at implementing strategies outlined in a national violent crime reduction operations guide. This funding is part of a broader effort to utilize both local and federal resources effectively, with officials highlighting their success in obtaining grants, including one specifically for rural and small department violent crime reduction.

Lieutenant Townsend provided an update on the city's homicide rate, reporting five murders in 2024, including the recent case of Matthew Daniels, for which two arrests have been made. He stressed the gravity of homicide investigations, noting that they take precedence over other crimes, and called for public cooperation in solving these cases. Townsend pointed out that some murders occurred in public spaces, with witnesses present, and encouraged community members to come forward with information.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing violent crime through proactive measures and community involvement, while acknowledging the challenges law enforcement faces in preventing such incidents.