Fact -- In Wilmington there were three homicides (and potentially a fourth victim who is in critical condition) in 10 days.  Two of these have been in broad day light, one in a stable neighborhood and the other on a was used basketball court under 95.  One of victims was wheel chair bound from a previous gun shoot wound.

Fact -- we are on pace to break last years record of 27 homicides.

Fact --  Approx 60 people were in and around the basketball court.  Police arrived in 3 minutes. No on was willing to cooperate with them on the scene -- no one.  (some have since but only after the fact)

Fact  -- Such non cooperation is increasingly the rule and not the exception.  It has gotten much  worse even since beginning the job in 07.  The relationship between law enforcement and the community is, to a large extent, broken.

Fact -- Non cooperation has become a serious impediment to the successful investigation and prosecution of homicides (and all other violent crimes.)

Fact -- No elected/appointed leader, other then a brief vigil on good Friday (before the most recent homicide) by a loan city councilman and some clergy, has spoken up or out about these murders.  Not the Mayor, not the chief, not press of council -- no one.  In most cities of this size,  the Mayor, DA, or Chief would be appropriately before the microphones at the scene of these tragedies at least expressing the righteous indignation of the community, empathy for the victims, and a desire to see that justice is done.

To that end, I think I should have a press conference soon at the scene of one of these homicides to express some version of the above sentiments, as well as a plea for help from the community itself.  Specifically, I think I should make direct appeal for their cooperation and participation in our efforts.  I should make it clear that I understand that non cooperation on the part of some is born out of a legitimate fear of retribution or lack of faith in our ability to actually  get justice or do justice or some variations of both.  Make it clear though that these crimes will likely go unsolved or on prosecutable without their participation and help.

My thought (actually the head of my victims unit) is to then let several mothers of young male homicide victims make a similar plea on behalf of their sons, whose murders remain at large in spite of many witnesses being present (we have such cases).   I could be flanked by clergy and law enforcement etc.

You get the picture.

Thoughts?


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