Durham police chief says cooperation is biggest hurdle in violent crime investigations
Durham Police Chief Patrice Andrews revealed the key obstacle that she said is preventing officers from solving violent crimes: Surviving victims and witnesses not cooperating with officers.
The chief and a mother are among those waiting for answers.
Andrews presented to City Council recently as part of a budget work session. In that presentation, she gave updates on several areas of the department. One area she focused on was clearance rates.
Although DPD numbers show a strong record in solving homicides in 2023, Andrews said DPD's clearance rate for all violent crimes is not where she wants it to be.
"We stand right now at a 30 percent clearance rate and are estimating to end our year at 32 percent," Andrews said. "Our target is 50 percent."
The latest numbers from DPD show 345 shootings so far this year. Speaking to City Council, Andrews explained what's holding them back from solving violent incidents.
"If victims survive, are they cooperating?" Andrews said. "Very rarely do they cooperate. Very rarely. Our witnesses, even more rare. The fact that we are able to clear at the rate that we are clearing means they are working as quickly and hard as they can to come up with a potential suspect."
"We definitely want closure as a family," said Tierney Sowell.
Sowell is among the many waiting for justice. Her son Demeico Sowell Jr. was murdered in 2020, and no one has been arrested.
She believes there are witnesses who are not coming forward.
"I know people were out there at the time," Sowell said. "We all have to speak up. These are our streets. We have to protect our streets as well."
Either way, she said justice will come, one way or another.
"The Lord sees who did it," said Sowell "You're not getting away with what you did. I believe in that."
As Durham police work these cases, they're doing so with fewer officers. They continue to struggle to recruit.
They have started a new incentive. Employees can receive $5,000 for up to two referrals who go on to take a job.
