New Greensboro Police Chief Kamran Afzal will begin May 13—and he’s starting out under a cloud.
Community members crowded last week’s Greensboro City Council meeting to protest City Manager Nathaniel “Trey” Davis’s choice of Afzal over current Greensboro Assistant Chief Stephanie Mardis. They objected to the process, which they said was not transparent enough, and to the choice of the current Dayton, Ohio, police chief over someone from within the department and community. They also pointed to the case of a man recently shot and killed by Dayton police officers—an incident now under investigation.
Council members say they hear and understand community sentiments, but they’re backing Davis, whose job it is as city manager to make this hire and that of other department heads. In interviews since his selection, Afzal said he intends to earn the community’s trust. He’s said Greensboro’s diversity appealed to him as an immigrant from Pakistan of Muslim faith. He has said he agrees with what the city council and manager want from a police chief and police force. But, he’s said, he understands that it will take time for the city to get to know and judge him through his actions.
Davis, too, is assuring the community he hears their voices—and urges them to get to know the new chief.
“To the speakers at Tuesday’s city council meeting, please know that I appreciate you showing up to voice your opinions,” Davis said at a press conference Friday. “I appreciate the passion and the criticism, as well. Every comment, every question, I heard you—and Chief Afzal will want to hear from you personally when he takes office.”
This week, we’re taking a By The Numbers look at the current state of crime in Greensboro as Afzal replaces former Chief John Thompson. The Greensboro Police Department makes this information publicly available and reports it to both state and federal authorities. It is still provisional and subject to post-reporting review.
4
Homicides so far this year. That’s down from 12 this time last year, a 67% decrease.
34
Rapes so far this year. That’s up from 24 this time last year, a 42% increase.
480
Aggravated assaults so far this year. That’s down from 482 this time last year.
99
Robberies so far this year. That’s down from 106 this time last year, an 18% decrease.
285
Burglary or Breaking and Entering offenses so far this year. That’s down from 346 this time last year, a 7% decrease.
302
Motor vehicle thefts so far this year. That’s down from 454 this time last year, a 33% decrease.
88
Stolen property offenses so far this year. That’s down from 94 this time last year, a 6% decrease.
571
Destruction, damage, or vandalism of property offenses so far this year. That’s down from 739 this time last year, a 23% decrease.
4
Pedestrian deaths so far this year. That’s the same number as this time last year.
7
Motor vehicle deaths so far this year. That’s up from 5 this time last year, a 40% increase.
58
Drug overdoses so far this year. That’s down from 83 this time last year, an 30% decrease.
668
Drug/Narcotic violations so far this year. That’s up from 473 this time last year, a 41% increase.
286
Weapon Law violations so far this year. That’s up from 252 this time last year, a 13% increase.
