Local crime declines

by Pfc. Victor J. Ayala
49th PAD

	source: City of Fayetteville, Police Department

Violent crime rates in both the Fayetteville and Fort Bragg areas are on the decline, local law enforcement experts say.

The crime index rate in Fayetteville has confirmed that statement, showing a steep decline in total violent crimes per 100,000 people each year. In 1991, there were 2,017 violent crimes reported per 100,000. Last year that number was down to 912.

For Fort Bragg, a similar decrease has been seen, including more than just violent crimes, said George Olavarria, acting director of Emergency Services for Fort Bragg.

“Across the board, both violent and property crimes are down,” said Olavarria.

In addition to the steep drops in violent crimes, property crimes, such as burglary, motor vehicle theft and larceny, are also down. In 1991, there were 12,089 property crimes committed per 100,000 people in the Fayetteville-Fort Bragg area. Today that number is down to 7,543.

The close cooperation between Fort Bragg and Fayetteville law enforcement is a major factor in the decrease, said Christopher Grey, public affairs officer for the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division Command. Using liaisons, both law enforcement agencies support each other with information to provide a thorough effort both on post and off, he said.

“We work hand in glove with the Fayetteville Police Department and other local agencies to resolve felony level crimes,” Grey said.

“Being close neighbors and cohorts, especially in crime prevention and traffic enforcement, have helped both communities on getting education and prevention messages out there and crime rates down,” said Fayetteville Police Chief Tom Bergamine. “In addition, there is constant communication between personnel of the police department and members of the provost marshals office when it comes to criminal activity. The criminal element knows no boundaries.
“When you have a transient community such as the Fayetteville – Fort Bragg area, the key is to work with one another, knowing one another, and watching out for one another,” said Bergamine. “I don’t think that the issues that Fayetteville and Fort Bragg have are any different than any other large military post. The men and women in the military have a very difficult job serving our country. This is a 24/7 job that continues day in and day out. As such, they often times become the victims of crime.”

To help prevent crimes against Families of deployed Soldiers, the Fayetteville Police Department will perform addition checks on homes and in the areas where the Soldier is deployed.
Bergamine also stressed the need for citizen involvement.

“Citizens must become involved,” said Bergamine. “Strong community watch groups, strong business watch groups, being active in your community and taking the time to think a little bit about crime prevention are key.

“One thing to keep in mind is that we do not have enough police officers to put on every street or in every neighborhood in Fayetteville; so one of the areas that we have to work hard on is through prevention,” he said.

Besides group involvement and taking preventative measures, Bergamine emphasized the need for education and mentoring of youth.

“Social issues are what causes crime and that is why it is real important to work on some of these factors within your community. I think long term it is very important to become involved in civic organizations and other community entities that educate our children.

“Parenting, or lack thereof, alcohol and drug abuse, socio-economic inequalities, education, community apathy meaning a lack of community ownership and involvement, leads to higher crime rates,” said Bergamine. “If we can prevent some things happening from the front end with the youths today then we will not see them in the system down the road,” he added.

“The future of the Fayetteville and Fort Bragg community depends on the long term commitment of its citizens. We need to mentor and educate our children,” Bergamine urged.