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Hopewell police report: violent crime up 28% year to date; city manager outlines multi‑month plan for water renewal
Summary
Police presented a June crime summary showing violent crime up from 32 to 41 (+28%); two recent homicides at HRHA‑managed properties prompted arrests and coordinated response with HRHA and violence‑intervention partners. Interim city manager reported ongoing reviews of Hopewell Water Renewal with consultants recommending further studies and staffing additions.
The Hopewell Police Department told city council Wednesday that violent crime is up year to date and that two recent homicides occurred in housing authority properties.
At the start of the city manager’s report, Interim City Manager Rogers asked Police Chief (name given in the packet) to present the department’s June summary. The chief told council violent crime was 32 in 2024 and 41 so far in 2025, an increase of nine incidents, or about 28 percent. He reported two recent homicides, on May 3 in Thomas Roth Court and on June 4 in Piper Square, and said arrests had been made in connection with those cases. “Neither victims resided on HRHA property,” the chief said, and he described intensifying data‑sharing and regular meetings with Hopewell Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA) management.
The department said it is restoring cameras at HRHA properties (all operational except some at Piper Square because of electrical issues) and working with community groups — the chief cited a Project Safe walk planned in Piper Square — and the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to address witness protection and reporting barriers. The chief also said that verified shots‑fired incidents are slightly higher in 2025 than 2024 (26 versus 24) and reported 11 sworn vacancies in the department with ongoing recruitment and an upcoming police academy class.
Councilors emphasized a desire for a joint meeting with HRHA to coordinate responses, and the chief and city manager agreed to pursue that. “We are working to ensure management is aware of lease‑violation pathways and to use environmental design and patrols to reduce incidents,” the chief said.
Separately, Interim City Manager Rogers told council he had reviewed consultant reports on Hopewell Water Renewal and called the plant’s condition “not sustainable” under current staffing. Rogers referenced reports by Dewberry and Hazen & Sawyer that recommend additional studies and possible substantial capital and personnel investments; he noted Hazen and Sawyer recommended about a dozen additional staff lines and described several studies that could cost in the millions. Rogers said a prior council appropriation of roughly $3 million for the Queen Anne pump station is now being invoiced and that staff will return with an action plan and regular updates.
Councilors asked for more detail on scope, budget timing, and whether the city should recruit an in‑house leader or retain interim contractors to manage the plant while studies and procurement proceed. City staff said an action plan for pump stations is under development and that a return to council with details is forthcoming.
