Petersburg celebrates steep decline in homicides in 2024
PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- Homicides were down by more than half in the city of Petersburg in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the Petersburg Bureau of Police. In a Jan. 3 letter shared on Facebook, Petersburg's Chief of Police, Travis Christian, announced that there were 52% fewer homicides in the city in 2024 than there were in 2023. "This success would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement officers, who work tirelessly every day to uphold justice and ensure public safety," Christian wrote. "From detectives and patrol officers to administrative staff, every member of the department has played a vital role in this outcome." Christian also thanked the community for its role in lowering homicide rates. Programs like neighborhood watch groups and public engagement initiatives "strengthened trust and cooperation" between police and Petersburg residents, according to Christian. ‘It makes me sick’: Families of babies hurt at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital NICU speak out after former nurse arrested "Together, we have fostered an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute to public safety," he wrote. Finally, he thanked local organizations, nonprofits and advocacy groups who went out into the community to prevent crime before it happens. "[These groups] have amplified our efforts to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, education and mental health challenges," Christian wrote. "These partnerships underscore the importance of a holistic approach to reducing violence and building a safer community." Christian emphasized that this is an ongoing effort and that "proactive strategies, transparent communication and community-based solutions" would be the department's focus, in the hopes of continuing this downward trend.
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PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- Homicides were down by more than half in the city of Petersburg in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the Petersburg Bureau of Police.
In a Jan. 3 letter shared on Facebook, Petersburg's Chief of Police, Travis Christian, announced that there were 52% fewer homicides in the city in 2024 than there were in 2023.
"This success would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our law enforcement officers, who work tirelessly every day to uphold justice and ensure public safety," Christian wrote. "From detectives and patrol officers to administrative staff, every member of the department has played a vital role in this outcome."
Christian also thanked the community for its role in lowering homicide rates. Programs like neighborhood watch groups and public engagement initiatives "strengthened trust and cooperation" between police and Petersburg residents, according to Christian.
"Together, we have fostered an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute to public safety," he wrote.
Finally, he thanked local organizations, nonprofits and advocacy groups who went out into the community to prevent crime before it happens.
"[These groups] have amplified our efforts to address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, education and mental health challenges," Christian wrote. "These partnerships underscore the importance of a holistic approach to reducing violence and building a safer community."
Christian emphasized that this is an ongoing effort and that "proactive strategies, transparent communication and community-based solutions" would be the department's focus, in the hopes of continuing this downward trend.
