South Bend Police Department brings back monthly crime stat meetings

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- In an effort to curb crime the South Bend Police Department is officially bringing back its monthly crime stat meetings as community calls for action grow louder.

“I can hear gunshots, I can hear ‘em. Early in the morning 2:00 in the morning, 2:30 in the morning you can hear ‘em," said Kathy Baugher, a resident on the south side.

From 169 shots fired in March to 198 in April— it’s a crime statistic SBPD hates to report.

Hoping to decrease the number, officers are bringing back the monthly meetings to create a more trustworthy relationship with residents.

“It opens that dialogue so we can see who’s committing these acts. Whether it be teenagers, adults, etc. Whoever’s doing it, if we have that dialogue, we can make end roads when we cooperate with one other," said Officer Burns with SBPD.

The monthly meetings which disappeared thanks to COVID will consist of stats separated by regions.

The community then gets the chance to discuss any concerns tied to specific crimes and safety—like the uptick in shots fired.

“I’m concerned as a realtor of 45 years about South Bend deteriorating. I mean it’s; I can’t get investors to come here and invest anymore," said a resident.

Once they get input, officers will share details on what’s currently being done internally to combat the problem.

It will also give them a chance to identify any necessary changes to current procedures.

“They’re seeing actual numbers of what’s actually happening. What’s taking place and if we can get that dialogue, build upon it from what we started here that can only increase things to where the quality of life’s that cooperation with our community is only going to increase," said Officer Burns.

SBPD will continue to host these meetings on the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm.