By KEITH UPCHURCH

kupchurch@heraldsun.com; 419-6612

DURHAM -- The drop in reports of violent gun crimes in the city, especially in the Northeast Central Durham area, was the cause for celebration Thursday as the Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham met at Shepherd's House United Methodist Church on Driver Street.

During the second year of a special police initiative called Operation Bull's Eye, which continued through July of this year, the Northeast Central area saw a dip in violent crime of 38.6 percent, according to a police report.

Marcia Owen, who runs the coalition which aims to end violent crime in Durham, said in an interview Thursday that she is optimistic about the city's future, and expects violent crime to continue to drop.

"I see this continuing," Owen said. "I don't think this is a fluke. I think it's a manifestation of a new balance that is beginning to emerge."

Owen said one of most productive things people can do to keep violent crime at bay is to get to know others.

"Know your neighbor, know your community, police officers, join your Partners Against Crime," she said. "Engage in partnerships and collaborations and cooperations -- that will surprise you."

She attributes the dip in violent crime to community engagement.

"Our officials and leadership are engaged, the police have been just steadfast in their commitment to reducing crime, and for that we are deeply grateful."

She also expressed thanks to those who decided not to commit crimes.

"It's the people of Durham who did this," she said. "They made the decision to cease and desist in selling drugs on our street corners, from carrying illegal weapons, and really having hope for their lives for peace and prosperity."

"We're excited about the interest in the churches in getting outside of those walls and into the streets and doing the work of God," Owen said. "So there's no reason not to be optimistic."