Newport News has seen a 55% decrease in homicides so far this year compared with the same time in 2023.
Police Chief Steve Drew reported during a Wednesday news conference there have been nine homicides through July 21, down from 20 last year in the same time frame. Drew also reported an almost 31% decrease in nonfatal shootings. In 2023, there were 52 shootings by July 21, while there have been 36 so far this year.
He said a majority of the city’s violent crime involves either people who know each other, or when the perpetrators have a specific target.
“We are not seeing that individuals are just picking up a firearm and walking out in our community and pulling the trigger,” he said. “It is particular groups or neighborhoods or gangs that play back and forth.”
Drew also touted the city’s rates for “clearing” homicide cases through charges or arrests. While the national clearance rate, as established by the FBI, is 52.3% for homicides, Drew said the police department has cleared 88.9% of the cases this year. Drew said these arrests “provide some closure and some accountability.”
He clarified the homicide figures do not include killings in self-defense or officer-involved shootings. There were two police-involved shootings this year, and police spokesperson Matt Michalec said another killing in April was ruled self-defense.
Police reported a total of 46 homicides in 2023, which was up from 31 in 2022 and a higher total than in any year in at least five decades.
While acknowledging the positive turnaround so far this year, Drew said the numbers don’t tell the whole story.
“As we talk about numbers and statistics, please remember that everyone of those numbers and statistics represent an individual,” Drew said. “They represent a family and community in our city, and they matter. They’re important.”
Drew said interrupting cycles of violence takes the entire community, not just the police. He noted the department is making efforts to connect with the various communities so they feel comfortable sharing information with officers.
He also credited the city’s partnerships with nonprofits, violence interruption groups, faith-based organizations, the NAACP and other agencies.
Mayor Phillip Jones announced in March a goal to reduce homicides in the city by 15% over 18 months. Jones said on Wednesday he was encouraged by the results to date this year. As part of a larger gun violence prevention effort, Jones said the city has been investing in programs that address food insecurity, vocational training, education, mental health and conflict resolution, as well as youth programs.
The city will soon establish the Newport News Office of Community Safety to focus on reducing gun violence. Jones said a search and selection process is underway to hire a violence prevention manager.
“The key responsibilities of this position include developing initiatives that prevent youth and young adult violence and promoting the resiliency of our community,” Jones said. “This person will be a community champion and build the necessary team of city staff, volunteers and advocates to advise the city manager and City Council on best practices to continue to reduce gun violence.”
Jones said the city is also exploring the creation of a hospital-based violence interruption program. This program would meet the immediate medical needs of the community and connect citizens to an array of resources and case management services.
Jones said he’s bullish on the city’s future due to its “amazing community partners” and police officers and that the city will utilize evidence-based solutions to reduce gun violence.
“My ask of our community, the call of action, is for all of you to continue to build forward with me by strengthening our community partnerships, uplifting our youth and young adults together, and supporting the important work of our dedicated officers,” Jones said.
Staff writer Pete Dujardin contributed.
Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com
