After bloody week, Durham police chief speaks out
Durham's police chief spoke to reporters for the first time since a series of shootings occurred in the Bull City this week, leaving at least two people dead and six others wounded.
Posted — UpdatedThe department already had a gang unit, but the department will take that up a notch
"We are seeing more gang activity (and) more violent gang activity then that eight member unit can handle," said Davis, referring to a gang unit comprised of less than 10 officers.
Davis said her department's enhanced gang task force will have additional officers that will include at least two deputies from the Durham County Sheriff's Office.
Many of the recent shootings were drive-by shootings, which police say can be harder to prevent.
The Durham City Council has received criticism from some Durham residents because the panel was unable to approve the chief's request for 18 more officers a few months ago.
She says officer visibility deters crime.
"I needed them then and I needed them now," Davis said. "The requests that are made are not necessarily for today. They’re for the future of this city. It's almost like seeing the clouds in the sky (so) you should get the umbrella."
According to police data reviewed by WRAL News, north Durham's District 2 has seen the biggest increase in shootings this year.
Police are attributing it to a violent group of individuals who have been active there. but officials say the city's hot spots change every week.
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