Durham Police Department chief Jose Lopez brought a continuation of this year's good news on crime data. Except for homicides, crime levels have declined in 2009 so far relative to the last two years.

The total rate of FBI index crimes are at a three-year low, Lopez noted, with case clearance rates in both property and violent crime much higher than national averages for cities Durham's size.

Violent crime is down 11% year to date versus this time in 2008, and 3% against 2007's mid-year numbers. Meanwhile, property crime overall is down 2% against 2008 and 7% as compared to 2007.

The one down note was homicides, which are up slightly over last year.

The Council discussion divided, though, over the public perception of crime. To some on the dais, there was a question as to why Durham wasn't getting the regional recognition for lowered crime levels.

To others, though, questions lingered over complaints that have come in from some neighborhoods over crime spikes in their areas.

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