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Pocono News Section
Stats Show Decrease in Williamsport Crime
Stats Show Decrease in Williamsport Crime - Thursday, June 5, 2008 at 5:20PM EST
Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Thursday, Jun 5, 2008 @ 05:20pm EST
Williamsport, Lycoming County- The numbers are in, and they say crime is down in Williamsport.
Police compared the first five months of this year to last year. According to the stats, violent crimes are down, and drug and alcohol arrests are up, virtually across the board here in the city.
But police aren’t taking all the credit. It's being lauded as a team effort that's been sorely needed here in Williamsport for some time now. "I think it's great you know, because it proves that something's working," one resident said in response to the numbers.
Ask anyone in Williamsport why crime statistics are down compared to last year's numbers, and you'll probably get several different answers. But the numbers speak for themselves.
City Police Chief Greg Foresman noted, "Our narcotics arrests are up, assaults are down, other violent crimes are down, and that's exactly what we're looking for." Foresman credits dedicated officers, additional funding, and better scheduling during high crime hours.
Mayor Gabe Campana notes a comprehensive approach including community policing efforts, increasing street lighting, and other initiatives yet to come. He explained, "We're getting closer to putting cameras throughout the city of Williamsport and I think it's sending a message to the criminals, 'Don't play in Williamsport, because we're going to be one step ahead of you.'"
Both officials agree the numbers couldn't be achieved without the help the State Police, and officers from Penn College and the surrounding communities. They added that crime watch groups deserve their share of the credit as well.
Bill Miller is one of the coordinators of the recently organized Sawyer Park Watch Group. He also has a theory to improve the statistics even further. "The main thing is to let people know of our presence. And to get to know your neighbors, I think that helps a lot," Miller said.
All agree that the city still has quite a ways to go. "Can we do a better job with other things? Of course. We're not completely satisfied. There's more work to do, and we're ready to work," Campana added.
Just to give you an idea of the numbers we’re talking about, narcotics arrests are up 68%, D. U.I. arrests have doubled, assaults are down 18%, and some $54,000 worth of drugs have been confiscated, from January to May of this year, according to the report.
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