Raleigh Community Confronts Spike in Brier Creek Crime
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Brier Creek residents and business owners gathered with Raleigh Police to discuss rising crime trends including car thefts and juvenile crime. A 2019 decision to increase the age for criminal juvenile offenses from 16 to 18 was cited as a factor in the rise of juvenile crime, as they believe the juvenile justice system is not equipped to handle the increase in offenses. The Raleigh Police Department (RPD) is short of its full complement of officers by 67 and plans to apply more resources towards combating vehicle thefts and burglaries.
Raleigh Police Discuss Crime Trends with Brier Creek Community
Dozens of residents and business owners from Brier Creek in Raleigh, N.C., met with the local police on Monday. They engaged in discussions about current crime trends in the community and potential combat strategies. The main focus was on the increase in car thefts, break-ins, and a city-wide surge in juvenile crime.
“We really depend on you. Your eyes, your ears, what you see,” expressed Lt. Terrence Knuckles from Raleigh Police Department’s (RPD) Detective Division.
The forum was attended by representatives from Durham Police and neighboring areas. Multiple Raleigh city councilors were present. RPD highlighted that the top crime in Brier Creek remains vehicle thefts and burglaries, promising to allocate more resources to tackle these issues.
“We are going to try to get officers in place at those times in those hotspots we know are happening,” stated Lt. John Smith, an officer in RPD’s Northwest District, which includes Brier Creek.
Raleigh Police Chief, Estella Patterson, pinpointed the “Raise the Age” decision as a factor in increased juvenile crime. This 2019 legislation raised the age for criminal juvenile offenses from 16 to 18.
“We’re seeing 16-year-olds, 17-year-olds stealing cars, breaking into cars — repeatedly — and the juvenile justice system is not equipped to handle that,” Patterson informed the crowd. Durham Police charge 12-year-old, 13-year-old in shooting, armed robbery.
The discussion happened just after North Carolina lawmakers overrode Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of HB 834. This new law will try 16- and 17-year-old suspects as adults for major felonies. Patterson stated that juvenile justice is a primary concern.
“We have challenges with ‘raise the age.’ But the main thing is identifying the offenders and ensuring they go through the criminal justice system,” she said.
Community members expressed concerns about teen accountability and RPD’s lack of resources. RPD acknowledged being 67 officers short of full capacity, and efforts to fill these vacancies are ongoing. Councilor Christina Jones urged the public to voice their opinions on issues like officer pay raises.
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