PORTSMOUTH, Va. —
Just this year, 18 people have been shot and killed in Portsmouth.
Portsmouth Police Chief Steve Jenkins talked residents through each homicide case Wednesday at his quarterly forum.
He started the meeting with a moment of silence, as National Crime Victims' Rights Week continues on. Before sharing that homicide data, Jenkins honored those who have survived violent crimes, and those left behind after tragedy.
After, Jenkins transitioned to showing attendees crime data for the first three months of this year, in comparison to the same time period in 2023. He touted a decrease in violent crime between those periods. As of March 31, it was down 30% and crime overall decreased 25%.
"At this point in time we’re experiencing a reduction in violent crime and that’s actually something to be celebrated,” said Jenkins.
However, Jenkins also pointed to the 18 lives already lost in Portsmouth this year, six of whom died after that data was published.
“Every life lost in this city is precious,” he told the crowd. “And while we tout victory for one less person, that’s still 18 people whose lives were cut short.”
Those 18 deaths make up 15 cases. Arrests have been made in seven of them. In three, warrants are out for suspects, leaving five with police searching still for answers. Two of those 15 cases are suspected to be gang-related.
On that subject, Jenkins explained, “every single person that loses their life in this city is not necessarily related to gang activity. I need you to know that.”
Community advocate Calherbe Monel sat through the meeting. He said all of Hampton Roads should rally behind the goal of reducing crime.
“The problem is crime in general kind of overlaps. We can’t really say this is a Portsmouth issue, or Virginia Beach or Norfolk,” Monel said. “Someone can live in Portsmouth but commit a crime in one of the other cities. So we definitely have to come together to make a difference.”
He added, that if the community comes together, he expects things to improve.
"We’re facing a lot of challenges, it’s going to take a lot of effort, but if we keep working at it, it will get better."
Jenkins also emphasized the community’s role in the rebuilding process, saying, "when the police department leaves after the yellow tape is down, the community is left to pick up the pieces.”
Also on the positive side, Chief Jenkins pointed to increased hiring in the department, with 149 positions filled in recent months. There are still 75 vacancies in various positions.