ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Residents and leaders are brainstorming ways to curb crime in the city.
Most recently, two men were charged and an officer placed on administrative leave following an incident Sunday morning.
Recommended Videos
"I was here when I heard those shots," says Geneva Woods, resident.
Woods was sleeping when she heard gunshots in front of her home on Dunbar Street NW. Woods says she doesn't feel unsafe after what happened in her neighborhood however some city leaders like council member Sherman Lea are concerned.
"I think we need to come up with ideas and try to keep our city safe," says Lea.
According to the police department as of mid July, violent crime was up 32 incidents compared to the year before. Some of those involved repeat offenders. Council Member Sherman Lea says repeat offenders need stiffer punishments.
It's something he plans on working with the city.
"I think you have to evaluate what is happening in the criminal justice system," says Lea. "Are they on probation? How intensive is the supervision?"
However as of July 19, crime is down by 300 offenses compared to last or about a seven percent reduction in overall crime.