ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – The Roanoke Police Department is working to address a rise in homicides while expanding its crime-fighting technology, though funding questions remain around the city’s new crime analytics center.
Roanoke has recorded seven murders so far this year, compared to nine for all of last year. Mayor Joe Cobb said he is concerned about the homicide numbers, but noted that overall crime is trending down.
“These homicides are all unrelated. I mean, they’re distinct and many of them are unusual. A lot of interpersonal violence. But overall, gun violence is down for the year, with the exception of these homicides, and violent crime is down, like I said, 30%,” Cobb said…