By KEITH UPCHURCH
kupchurch@heraldsun.com; 419-6612
DURHAM -- Police are trying to change the anti-snitching culture in Durham that prevents people from reporting crime, according to Jennifer Snyder, director of Project Safe Neighborhoods, which works to reduce gun violence and other crime in the city.
"What we want people to know is that they can absolutely call 911, the non-emergency police number or CrimeStoppers anonymously to report suspicious activity and crime, and get a monetary reward if their tip leads to a felony arrest," she said.
"They've got to quit living in fear of criminals in their neighborhoods."
Synder, who also is leading an anti-crime publicity campaign called Safety In Numbers, said police will be going into high-crime areas of Durham this summer trying to get the word out about how residents can work with police to cut crime in their neighborhoods.
At Friday's Durham Crime Cabinet meeting, she reviewed the accomplishments of the two programs so far this year, and said there is an emphasis on getting crime tips out to senior citizens, and enlisting the cooperation of businesses and the faith community.
Synder said that the Police Department will combine its annual National Night Out kickoff and the Safety In Numbers campaign. It will be held from 10 a.m. to noon July 24 at police headquarters.
"We'll have all kinds of activities for kids," she said. The police motorcycle and K-9 units will be on display and there will be "entertainment from people in the community," along with refreshments.
"We'll show how citizens can find ways to make Durham a safe place to live."
