Residents of the 37 block grant area are expressing heightened concerns over crime, prompting calls for increased police presence and community engagement. During a recent government meeting, Councilwoman Vanessa Orange highlighted the urgency of addressing these fears, noting that some residents are considering selling their homes due to safety concerns.

The discussion centered around the police department's recent initiatives aimed at crime reduction. Councilwoman Orange referenced a Facebook post by Police Chief Rivera, which outlined new programs being implemented, including a \"resource rider\" initiative. This program utilizes data to anticipate crime hotspots and deploy officers accordingly, alongside existing technologies like ShotSpotter and GPS tracking in squad cars.

Despite these efforts, the councilwoman emphasized the need for more visible police presence in the community, particularly in light of recent incidents that have left residents feeling uneasy. She pointed out that the city has seen a significant decrease in homicides, with only eleven reported in 2022—the lowest in a decade—thanks to the dedicated work of various police divisions.

Councilwoman Orange also expressed skepticism about the police response to specific incidents, urging for a letter to be sent to Chief Rivera to address concerns about the lack of follow-up in cases where residents have been directly affected by gun violence.

The meeting underscored the ongoing dialogue between city officials and residents regarding public safety, with a clear call for transparency and accountability from the police department to ensure community trust and safety.