Columbus community responds to new crime statistics

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Crime numbers are falling according to the Columbus Police Department. The numbers released by the department on Thursday give residents an inside look at the reduction in crime.

News Leader 9′s Katrice Nolan joins us live from outside the Public Safety Center with more on what the department credits for these falling crime rates.

People we spoke to say that even with a reduction in crime, they want those numbers to fall even more.

Steven Shaw has lived in Columbus his whole life. He remembers when the numbers for our area were pretty high.

“Two and a half to three years ago, I know we had about 70 murders, and I know we have been averaging around 40, so thank God it’s not 70,” Shaw recalled.

And he is right. Just last year, Columbus saw 37 murders.

We showed him the decrease in those numbers and where the department stands right now. While he says the decrease is good news to hear, he believes the root of the problem is beyond the badge.

“If the parents don’t control their children, that’s the bottom line,” he added.

One woman we spoke with says she lost her daughter to gun violence, and she doesn’t believe the numbers are low enough for her to feel safe.

“In 2002, I lost my daughter to a crime like that, and honestly, I think we need to put prayer back in things,” she stated.

Murders aren’t the only area where crime is dropping. Robberies are down by 27 percent, burglaries by 22 percent, and car thefts by 16 percent.

“Oh, I’m absolutely thrilled to hear that,” another resident said. “I think the more opportunity for people, the lower these numbers will go.”

“Crime has gotten out of hand, and it’s like, wow, if you come over here, just bringing the kids to the park and you hear shooting, it’s just something like every day,” another person added.

“I feel good, you know. They’re trying to get it down because it’s too much right now,” said another resident.

Deputy Chief Roderick Graham says crime has dropped thanks to recent hires and new technology in the department.

“Utilizing technology, utilizing people in the community to get ahead of the crime,” Graham said.

Keeping you and people like Steven Shaw safe…

“This is my town. I mean, I’m 65, I don’t plan on moving,” Shaw said.

You might remember that the department also experienced a change in leadership.

Chief Stoney Mathis has been in office for about a year and a half. In a statement, he said, “These numbers not only reflect a drop in crime but also our relentless commitment to solving cases.”