http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-09-09-0188.html

The comments on the article are quite interesting. My main concern is, will the punishments delivered deter this type of crime in the future? 3 life sentences? I sure hope so. If 3 life sentences don’t, I don’t see how the death penalty would.

But still, in a big open place like Byrd Park you’d think the more lights the better.

I know there was a huge back and forth at one point at the little Grayland Tot Lot about lighting at night, the argument of some was that the lighting at night encouraged people to be in the park after dark when it was technically closed, thereby encouraging misdeeds among idle folks in the park at night (noise, pot smoking, alcohol, litter, roughhousing/minor assaults, though mostly noise and pot at that time). Some argued that the park was “safer” at night if left unlit as it made it less inviting. Sounds like a crapshoot to me.

A great real-life example would be Rudy Guiliani and the city of New York. Some research on that would be enlightening.

Additionally, patrol does not mean 24 hour surveillance. A possible solution could be publicized cameras at park structures which could be an option in addition to the patrols. This might make it consistently less convenient to commit crimes in that area. The 5th District (surrounds Byrd park) council person might be a good place to start coordinating grant money to fund such a project.

now the soap box:
The argument that the average citizen can impact crime most by prevention is without argument in my opinion, however when crimes do occur, the community must be a part of the policing process. Provide some feedback.

Residents witnessing a crime should be reporting them. Emergencies should always be reported to 911. Richmond Non-Emergency number is 646-5100.

WOTB and Byrd Park are in Sector 311, and Lt. El-Amin, is the Sector Lt. in charge of the area. I have always found her, and the other precinct Lieutenants and Sergeants, to be very approachable and interested in community feedback. 3rd Precinct can be reached at 646-1412 or 646-1211.

Sorry Gary, that’s a fact.

How is it that Richmond officials proclaim a crime drop?? I love this city, but refuse to be backed out of the place I love, with its conveniences and beautiful scenery because my parents are too afraid for me to be here.

It is unspeakably tragic that Mr. Binsted lost his life this week and that his friend will have the grief of that night to bare. Likewise, their families and those of the perpetrators will now life a life to manage somehow in the shadow of the events of the 27th.

Graffiti should have been another string. That is was not was oversight, not apathy.

Apologies.

Really???

here’s how it works…

Graffiti Reporting:
Graffiti reporting is a two part process involving enforcement and removal.

Graffiti Enforcement:
If you are the property owner or renter and you are the victim of Graffiti , you are encouraged to file a report by calling one of the following:

Non-Emergency: 646-5100
3rd Precinct: 646-1412, 646-1211
Graffiti Hotline: 646-1406

The report may be filed over the phone. Any suspect information is best provided directly to the precinct (license plate, photograph). The benefit of reporting the Graffiti prior to its removal is that it can be documented and used as evidence. The Graffiti enforcement process does not include the coordination of removal of Graffiti , which is the burden of the resident (details below).

Graffiti Removal:
The fastest deterrent to Graffiti is to get it removed as quickly as possible. According to city code it is compulsory to remove Graffiti visible from the public right of way. Though the burden of removal is on the resident, any resident can contact the city for Graffiti removal regardless of the disposition of the property.

To enter a request for Graffiti removal, call 311 or go on line to richmondgov.com to enter a Citizen’s Request. Reporting Graffiti for removal does not include the notification of law enforcement outlined above.

Unless the surface is one that can be easily damaged or is risky to get to,the graffiti will likely be removed by DPW on receipt of the entered request. Otherwise, the property owner must first fill out a “Graffiti Removal Release of Liability” form which releases the City of liability for damage to the surface. This form can be filled out by a property owner in advance to be kept on file with the city so that in the event that property suffers Graffiti damage, the City can immediately act on its removal. This form is available on the City’s website at http://www.richmondgov.com/forms/GraffitiRemoval.aspx and must simply be mailed in the the address provided on the website in order to be filed and available for use.