Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 25, 1990 TAG: 9004250356
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B3 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: SHARON HODGE SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: MARTINSVILLE LENGTH: Short
A woman told council that the sound of gunshots is commonplace in the residential areas adjoining Fayette Street in the city's west end.
Although council took no action on the request for more patrols, at least two councilmen said they agree there is a problem.
Vice Mayor Clyde Williams, the only black on council, said he has had conversations with residents who complained of the gunfire and crime. Councilman W.C. Cole Jr. said the frequency of crime-related incidents reported from the area is an indication that a problem exists.
Cole and Williams said financing more patrols is a primary concern.
Families living in the area said they believe higher police visibility could be a deterrent to the shooting and knifing incidents that they say occur almost daily.
One woman who said she feared being identified has been requesting higher police activity for about three years. Cole and Williams said Tuesday was not the first time a request for more patrols has been presented to council.
Cole, who heads the city drug task force formed last year, said plans for targeting specific neighborhoods for increased patrols are being considered. He said the task force must find ways for the city to pay for additional police activity.
Former City Council candidate Bruce Dallas requested that council increase the number of police on patrol by eight. Council took no action on that request, either.
by CNB