The Tampa Police Department said violent crimes are down, and non-fatal shootings have dropped about 35 percent.
TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said homicides in the city are at a 50-year low, with 19 reported last year.
Castor said new programs and technology are helping to further reduce crime. But some argue the number remains too high.
“We just had a 44 percent reduction in our homicides last year. We only had 19 in our city which is really incredible,” Castor said.
The Tampa Police Department said violent crimes are down, and non-fatal shootings have dropped about 35 percent. Auto thefts, burglaries and other property crimes have declined as well. Castor said many of these crimes are often committed by juveniles.
“Officers are actually dispatched via their in-car computers to juvenile checks. Any juveniles that live in their area that are convicted of crimes have to go and make sure they’re home when they’re supposed to be home,” Castor said.
In 2014, Lashaun Tims started the movement 813 Stop The Violence.
“What I would like to see in the community is mothers not planning funerals, fathers are present and accountable, and our youth have places and people they can talk to without being judged,” Tims said.
It’s an organization she said is needed just as much today.
“We still have violence. They say crime is low, but I say crime is high,” Tims said.
Tims connects with the hundreds of families still grieving after losing a child to gun violence.
“Our youth are lost. They deserve so much better because you’ve got to remember — who is standing in the paint with them and who is standing up for them,” Tims said.
Tims believes not much is being done to move the fight forward.
“Actions speak louder than words. I’m on grounds. It’s a different language over here. We’re crying over here. They’re talking over there,” Tims said.
Tampa police recently got drones to increase public safety. They’ll be used for emergency calls and surveillance for events like the Gasparilla parade.