NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk Police Chief Mark Talbot shared updates on crime to dozens of people who came to Slover Library Wednesday morning.
The "Coffee with the Chief" event aimed to strengthen ties between community members and the Norfolk Police Department.
Chief Talbot said crime is trending in the right direction in 2024.
He says last year, homicides dropped 33% and non-deadly shootings dropped 32%. So far this year, he said those numbers are even lower.
“Non-fatal shootings were down 70% year to date," the chief said. "So, we’re trending in a very positive direction. I’m super excited about what’s going to happen here this year.”
Chief Talbot said his officers are using "evidence-based policing" to keep that momentum going.
“Understanding what works, and then taking the steps to execute it, and doing it over and over again, and bringing the kind of energized leadership to that process, so that it stays in motion," Chief Talbot explained.
Norfolk residents who attended the event told 13News Now what they think will help combat crime.
Susie Grampp said police and community members need to work closer together.
“I think as a community, we need to help and be there for them," she explained.
Deborah Mapp agreed but added she would also like to see more mental health resources.
“A lot of our young people don’t have direction," Mapp said. "I feel that if there were more mental health services available, that would be a great help."
Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi previously told 13News Now that overall crime in Norfolk dropped by 24% in 2023.