People who live and work in Portsmouth want to put an end to violent crime.
Police Chief Stephen Jenkins addressed the issue at a forum Wednesday . He said although violent crime is down from last year, the department needs more officers and the public’s help reporting crimes.
Watch: Portsmouth PD chief addresses recent crime; says he needs 90 more officers
Portsmouth PD chief addresses recent crime; says he needs 90 more officers
After a recent series of crimes in the downtown area, business owners hope for quick action too. This week they voiced concerns to the city and police saying violent crime should be considered a public emergency.
News 3 stopped by High Street Thursday.
There business owners explained they heard gunshots last weekend. A man was injured in a shooting Oct. 20 between Court and Middle Streets.
Watch: Portsmouth residents outraged by recent cases of violence across the city
Portsmouth residents outraged by recent cases of violence across the city
Others who work along that city block said the weekend shooting was just one of several violent incidents that have hit too close to home. One worker said her relative was injured by a stray bullet a short distance away on London Street two weekends ago. The worker didn’t want to be identified out of concern for becoming a target.