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Hopewell police report: violent crime up, property crimes down; recruitment and community events planned
Summary
Police Chief Taylor told council violent crime rose from 40 to 48 year-over-year while property crimes fell 27%. He reported 11 sworn vacancies, two new dispatcher positions, and outlined summer community policing, foot patrols, traffic enforcement and events including Community Appreciation Day and National Night Out.
Police Chief Taylor presented the monthly crime and operations update, telling the council that violent crime rose from 40 incidents in 2024 to 48 in 2025, an increase the department attributed primarily to a rise in robberies tied to property-related incidents. He also reported declines: larcenies were down 17% and motor-vehicle thefts decreased significantly, contributing to a 27% drop in property crimes and a 20% drop in total major crimes for the reporting period.
Taylor described operational impacts and equipment shortfalls, saying the department recently operated with only two ambulances on the street for several days because of maintenance issues and that an engine remains out of service. He emphasized apparatus and staffing needs as the department balances responses and preventive work.
On personnel, Taylor said Hopewell currently has 11 sworn vacancies but credited recent pay increases for improving recruitment; he noted four new officers started the criminal justice academy and one officer is in field training. He also said two dispatcher positions were approved to bolster the 911 communications staff, with staffing expected to reach 13 full-time dispatchers and one part-time once hiring is complete.
Taylor outlined summer policing plans focused on community engagement and crime reduction: expanded downtown foot patrols and bike patrols, business checks, selective traffic enforcement on Randolph Road and Appomattox Street, speed trailer placement, and planned interdictions to serve outstanding warrants. He announced Community Appreciation Day at Mathis Field on July 26 (4–7 p.m.) and that National Night Out will be held on October 7.
Councilors thanked Taylor and asked follow-up questions about a possible traffic division and the effect of the updated pursuit policy and enforcement on ATVs and dirt bikes. Taylor said a traffic unit is an aspirational goal contingent on full staffing; the updated pursuit policy will be implemented with training this week.
