Police Chief details 133 firearms seized amid ongoing gang activity and overdose responses

In the heart of Rocky Mount, city officials gathered for a Council Committee of the Whole meeting on July 14, where pressing issues surrounding public safety and community health took center stage. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as council members and law enforcement representatives discussed the alarming rise in overdose incidents and gang activity within the city.

As the meeting unfolded, the police chief provided a sobering overview of overdose calls, highlighting a troubling trend linked to substances potentially laced with fentanyl. "We capture all our overdose calls on a monthly basis," he stated, emphasizing the importance of tracking these incidents to better understand the community's health crisis. The statistics revealed a stark reality: the city is grappling with the consequences of substance abuse, prompting officials to consider enhanced health initiatives and community outreach programs.

The conversation then shifted to gang activity, with a notable decrease in validated gang members reported. The chief explained that individuals must be revalidated annually, and those who show no signs of continued involvement in gang activities can fall off the list. "We want to see individuals moving away from gang life," he remarked, suggesting that some may have found employment or entered rehabilitation programs. However, the chief acknowledged that incarceration also plays a role in these numbers, as individuals behind bars cannot be revalidated.

The meeting also addressed gun violence, with the police chief revealing that 133 firearms were seized in recent incidents, leading to 12 arrests. This raised questions among council members about the implications of such numbers. "Does that mean that there are multiple guns per person being arrested?" one member inquired. The chief clarified that while 12 individuals were arrested, firearms could be seized in various situations, including domestic violence cases where weapons are taken for safekeeping.

As discussions continued, the council members expressed concern over the influx of firearms into certain neighborhoods, with calls for more proactive measures to address this issue. "It's a lot of guns," one member noted, underscoring the need for continued efforts to remove weapons from the streets.

The meeting concluded with a sense of determination among city officials to tackle these pressing issues head-on. With the community's safety and health at stake, the council's commitment to addressing substance abuse, gang violence, and gun-related incidents remains a priority. As Rocky Mount looks to the future, the discussions held in city hall serve as a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead and the collective responsibility to foster a safer environment for all residents.