City Council Demands Answers to 'Crime Wave'

Shots  night. A rash of burglary attempts and home break-ins. A drive-by shooting, and a near . 

It's been a busy summer for the . 

Councilman Byron Price, Ward 3, on Monday asked that City Manager Lehman Walker and Police Chief Charles Adams look into the city's crime statistics for the year and whether the police department needs more resources.

"This issue is bigger than just the police department and my concern is that there is a pattern of activity taking place," Price said. "The progression of activity is totally out of control."

The city council noted the swift reaction of police after the this weekend and to the this spring.

"I want to commend the police for the incredible work they did and their swift reaction," Councilman Terry Crow said. "I think I saw the police on Channel 5 within 20 minutes of the incident Friday."

Price asked that Walker compile the following information for the council.

• Find out if there is an increase in crime or a trend over the previous year. 
• Look at the city's patterns of crime statistics and the types of crimes being committed
• What is the city's strategic plan for addressing this?

"What do we think is causing this?" Price asked. "Are these crimes crimes of opportunity—do they think U City is an open book of opportunity? Do they think they can get away with it here?

Price said the city can no longer afford to "pawn this issue off." Councilman Michael Glickert suggested the city needed to be focused on safely, creating a village from one end to the other with neighborhood watches and block captains.

Ward 2 Councilwoman Paulette Carr also said she heard from constituents over the weekend. She read two emails from residents expressing fear and asking how the city planned to make the city safer.

Walker said he would speak to Chief Adams Tuesday and begin to compile the information requested, as well as a possible date for city officials to discuss its findings with the council and the public.

"This is an emergency now," Price said. "We don't have time to wait for this to be put on the next docket—the criminal activity isn't waiting for our docket."