Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - Richmond Police hosted a "community conversation" on Wednesday night at Liberation Church in Southside Richmond. The event, held specifically for residents of RPD's 2nd precinct, was one of 5 to be held over the coming weeks.
During the event, community members were invited to write their questions for Richmond Police Chief Gerald Smith on note cards, which were then read aloud and answered. Question topics were wide-ranging, covering everything from gun violence in the city to noise ordinance enforcement to traffic issues at specific intersections.
Some community members expressed dissatisfaction with the event's format, explaining they were frustrated that they were not allowed to speak directly to those onstage. Despite this, the Chief answered several dozen notecard-questions over the course of the night.
Smith emphasized the role of local communities in fighting crime and preventing violence. Addressing the death of 15-year-old Tynashia Humphrey, who was killed on Monday evening after being caught in crossfire while walking to a store, Smith said that policing alone could not end such violence and that a community-wide effort was needed.
When asked about Richmond Police's reluctance to publicize the evidence from the alleged mass shooting plot they say they prevented, Smith would not elaborate except to say that there was evidence and that the case would "speak for itself." At the event's close, 2nd precinct captain Keshawn Manns gave a presentation on crime numbers in the community. Property crimes are up in the second precinct, he said, but violent crimes are actually down slightly despite recent events of violence.
