Greensboro Police Chief Promises Renewed Efforts Against Gun Violence

Greensboro officials are promising a stepped-up response to a growing violent crime rate in the city. 

Police Chief Wayne Scott says residents will see a larger police presence in the coming months, as well as a renewed focus on gun violence.

Scott spoke at a news conference Monday, called in part to reassure citizens the department is committed to making the city safe.

The News and Record reports that Greensboro's homicide rate is trending upward again, with numbers that continued to climb over the weekend.  

The news conference was led by Nathaniel Davis, speaking on his first day as assistant city manager over public safety.

Davis pointed to the effectiveness of Gun Stoppers, a program that has led to the seizure of 500 illegal guns this year.

Davis also said the department has partnered with federal agencies to more quickly confirm ballistics matches with guns used in Greensboro crimes.

And he said the police force will shift some of its investigative unit officers back into uniform, bolstering patrols in areas where gun crimes often occur.