PORTSMOUTH, Va - Portsmouth Police Chief Tonya Chapman, Portsmouth Police Department Chaplains, members of Behavioral Health Services, and local faith leaders went door-to door at the Marsh Landings apartments off Suburban Parkway to kick off a new crime prevention initiative.
It is called R.E.S.E.T. (Rapid Engagement of Support in the Event of Trauma). This was the first R.E.S.E.T. walk in a neighborhood that recently had two homicides.
“It’s important for us to try to heal a community to find out what’s going on in the community because the last homicide there were shots fired and no one called police,” said Chapman.
Chief Chapman’s said her goal is to reach out to members in the community to ensure that they understand what people’s current and future needs are, and how city officials can assist people after traumatic events.
Donnie Wilson visits his mother who lives in the apartment complex. He said the initiative is a great way to connect with community members.
“Really knocking on the doors that’s getting to the younger generation’s parents. Because that’s what really I think the crime is coming from the kids not the parents that live out here,” said Wilson.
Wilson also said he liked to see police officers engage with community members more in a causal setting like the recreation centers.