RALEIGH — A concern for public safety in the nation’s third fastest-growing big city has culminated in the formation of Citizens for a Safe and Secure Raleigh, a 501(c)(4) nonpartisan nonprofit organization.
Over the last decade, Raleigh’s population has grown by 13%, but the city government’s integral responsibility of keeping its citizens safe and secure has fallen behind. According to recent data, only 3% more police department staff have been added, compared to a 20% surge in other cities. Charlotte pays their police $23,000 more than Raleigh pays its force, and six smaller North Carolina cities, including Raleigh suburbs Cary and Knightdale, pay its police.
According to the latest national crime report, murders in the capital city this year are up 78% compared to last year, rapes increased 17%, and citizens fell victim to 193 robberies and 543 aggravated assaults. Still, law enforcement in Raleigh remains at an average of 30% less than other cities in the state.
In April, findings from a citywide poll spoke volumes.
“The pollster reported that they rarely see this degree of unanimity of opinion across the political spectrum and every demographic,” said Peter Scott, president of Citizens for a Safe and Secure Raleigh. “Whether you’re black, white, male, female, Democratic, Republican or independent, living in South Raleigh or North Raleigh, everyone has this concern.”
Scott, through conversations and with various city leaders and fellow concerned citizens, developed a plan to address the problem. Former mayors Smedes York and Nancy McFarland, retired businessman Jim Stone and Hilda Pinnix-Ragland formed Citizens for a Safe and Secure Raleigh (CSSR).
Its mission is a commonsense approach to deliver to Raleigh’s population not only what they rightly deserve, but — as proven by statistics and data — they desperately want.
“It’s time for Raleigh to unite for a safer capital city,” Pinnix-Ragland, CSSR’s vice president, said in a statement. “We envision a thriving city where each resident, visitor, and worker feel respected and protected, safeguarding the security of everyone in our growing, dynamic community.”
The nonprofit is funded entirely by contributions from local individuals and businesses who share the common goal of addressing public safety in Raleigh.
Its key objectives can only be accomplished at the local level. Raleigh’s elected officials are given the task of providing appropriate police staffing, large enough to ensure the safety and security of residents, visitors and businesses in every neighborhood, as well as adequate police funding and the necessary tools to enable officers to work safely and effectively. Additionally, part of CSSR’s mission is for elected officials to act on homelessness by promoting innovative, caring solutions for the unhoused living and camping throughout the city.
The organization endorsed former city council member Janet Cowell for mayor and seven candidates running for Raleigh City Council in November.
“We just want what everyone deserves: to feel safe in their communities where police are respected and not maligned,” Scott said. “Why have a vibrant downtown if people don’t feel safe going there, or why have a beautiful greenway if people don’t feel safe walking on it.”
For more information about Citizens for a Safe and Secure Raleigh, visit safeandsecureraleigh.com
