For Release: Nov. 26, 2008
Contact: David Clementson
Email: dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
McDonnell Congratulates Richmond Leaders for Increasing Public Safety in the City
Virginia’s Capital City Goes from 5th Most Dangerous to 49th in Just 3 Years
Office of Attorney General and City of Richmond Coordinate in Anti-Gang Efforts
RICHMOND - Attorney General Bob McDonnell issued the following statement congratulating Richmond city leaders for their successful efforts to reduce crime in Virginia’s Capital city.
A new study by CQ Press finds that Richmond has made dramatic strides in its effort to reduce crime. CQ Press announced that Richmond has dropped significantly in the rankings of most-dangerous cities in America. This year Richmond is ranked the 49th most-dangerous city. A previous study found Richmond to be the 5th most dangerous city in America in 2005. In 2006 the city was ranked #29 nationally.
Statement of Attorney General Bob McDonnell:
“The news of a continued drop in the crime rate in Richmond is very positive news for the city, the metropolitan Richmond region and the entire Commonwealth. Richmond is our Capital city and the Commonwealth needs it to be safe, vibrant and prosperous. I want to congratulate Mayor L. Douglas Wilder, interim Police Chief Dave McCoy, new Police Chief Bryan Norwood, Commonwealth’s Attorney Michael Herring, Sheriff C.T. Woody and the entire law enforcement team for their tremendous success in combating crime. I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of all of the local, state and federal partners who make up the Cooperative Violence Reduction Partnership for their hard work.
“Our office has been pleased to play a supporting role in Richmond’s success through several important initiatives, most notably our G.R.I.P. anti-gang program. This dynamic program, one of only four in the country, is bringing opportunity and hope to neighborhoods in Richmond’s Southside. We know the program has produced results. This positive relationship between our office and the City of Richmond’s leaders will continue in the years ahead. I look forward to working with Mayor-Elect Dwight Jones on these issues, and pledge the continuing and full cooperation of our office. A safer Richmond is good news for all of Virginia.”
Click here to learn more about the G.R.I.P. program in Richmond.
Attorney General McDonnell has also brought the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation’s innovative “Badges for Baseball” program to the city of Richmond. This program gives inner-city youths the opportunity to learn the game of baseball, and in the process learn life lessons about responsibility, duty and citizenship.
Click here to learn more about “Badges for Baseball.”
