Columbus residents applaud new crime reduction measures
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) - Some Columbus residents are finally breathing a sigh of relief after seeing a decrease in crime, according to police.
Investigators attribute this improvement in part to the addition of a new state-led gang task force that has been active in Columbus for a few months.
Several residents we spoke with had one message for local law enforcement: keep it up. They added that they can finally see the light at the end of a long, dark tunnel and that light is making Columbus safer.
“It’s beautiful. The way they are going at it now, they need to stay with it. Don’t stop, don’t let up for nothing,” said Columbus resident Keith Brown.
The West Georgia Gang Task Force has been active in Columbus since August, covering several counties from Muscogee to Troup. Special Agent in Charge Jeremy Dockins says they have been effective since their arrival.
“We have seen a decrease in crime. We are trying to get out, help with crime suppression, and actually get in the streets to fight crime in some of the more violent, high-crime areas,” said Dockins.
Residents we spoke with said they can see a noticeable reduction in crime.
“I think progress is being made. I think it’s a timely manner. As long as they continue, I think it’ll get better eventually,” said Columbus resident Augstline Truttling.
“With all the big busts they’ve been making in Muscogee and Columbus, I think so. It’s putting a dent in it. Countryman is doing a good job, CPD, both of them are doing real good,” said Columbus resident John Meek.
“It makes me feel better about going out and going places. Because me and my partner, we don’t go eat out, we don’t go because we are scared. You never know what might happen. These young boys just done got crazy, these young boys just don’t have no respect,” said Columbus resident Keith Brown.
Dockins says GBI will remain in Columbus until their presence is no longer necessary.
“We are here to stay, and we mean business,” he added. “We are tired of our communities being in fear of going out in public, having to worry that they may be a victim of a drive-by shooting. So, it’s really just taking our community back.”
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