FORT MYERS, Fla. — Fort Myers Police say violent crime is declining in the city. Independent groups reviewing the department told City Council Monday they’re making improvements. But, there’s a lot of work that still needs to be done considering the back-to-back shootings that happened last week.
Daniel Gerard with the University of Cincinnati Focused Improvement pointed out hotspots of violent crime within the last few years, which listed the Dunbar community as an area of concern.
“They’re also the epicenter of your recent outbreak of gun violence that you’ve had here in the City of Fort Myers,” said Gerard.
Two of the three shootings last week happened in that area. One at the Jones Walker Apartments, listed as the number one hotspot with 31 reported violent crimes between 2017 and 2019.
“Ultimately, you have to take some of these places of comfort out of the mix right here, in order to reduce crime in that particular area,” said Gerard.
Police Chief Derrick Diggs said they already have officers monitoring the area every hour on the hour. Sometimes, every thirty minutes. Mayor Randy Henderson’s suggestion would take that approach a step further.
“I’d set up a post until we solve this. I know it’ll take some resources, but let’s get the resources,” he said.
Councilman Johnny Streets recommended including the community’s voice to gauge their trust of the department.
“What about a survey from the city itself the citizens asking them how they feel we’ve come in the last three to four years?” he asked.
Gerard says moving forward FMPD should focus on three things: high crime areas, more staffing, since they’re down 43 officers and assess the community’s satisfaction and trust of the department as Councilman Streets suggested.
