A survey conducted by the City of Danville Human Relations Commission has found 50-percent of respondents feel safe in Danville. Thirty-five percent of those responding said they feel ‘’somewhat safe’’.
Members of the Public Services Committee of the Danville City Council discussed results of the survey during Tuesday evening’s meeting. But only 41 surveys were used in compiling the results, according to Human Relations Administrator Sandra Houston Finch. She said surveys were distributed at locations all over the city but only 51 were returned. And Finch said 10 of those were discarded because the person taking the survey failed to list the ward in which they live.
Vice Mayor Brenda Brown noted figures show Domestic Violence was the top request for police assistance during July. Brown noted October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and she urged other members of the City Council to support programs regarding it.
The survey found 57.5 percent of respondents felt that relations between the Danville Police Division and residents were good. Drugs and drug houses were overwhelmingly listed as the most significant safety issue by the respondents. Guns, violent crimes and ‘’not enough police officers’’ were also among the significant public safety issues listed by respondents. And the underlying message from those who took the survey was that in order to combat crime, Danville needs more police officers.
Committee members also learned that only 20 candidates have applied, so far, to take the next test to become a Danville Police Officer. Applications are being accepted until the end of the month. And Danville Public Safety Director Larry Thomason told the committee that there has been ‘’nothing radical’’ regarding response times for the Fire Division since the closing of Fire Station 4 on East Main Street. Thomason said they have been checking the response times and have found ‘’no problems with that regard.’’ He added the City is looking into possibly selling the old East Main Street fire station.
And an administrative team from the City spent the day Tuesday in contract talks with the team representing Danville Firefighters Local 429. The committee was told the talks have been very productive, and they hope to get the contract resolved quickly.
