As a candidate for the Greensboro City Council, I’ve heard the concerns of residents deeply troubled by rising crime rates in our community. Public safety is at the top of my priority list because everyone deserves to feel secure in their homes, neighborhoods, and cities. While Greensboro faces challenges, including a crime rate of 404 in 2022—1.6 times greater than the U.S. average—I am confident that we can make Greensboro safer for all with strategic action and community collaboration.
Here is my comprehensive plan to reduce crime in Greensboro:
Building trust between law enforcement and the community is essential for reducing crime. My plan includes:
Expanding community policing programs to ensure officers are visible, approachable, and engaged in our neighborhoods.
Assigning neighborhood liaison officers to build relationships with residents and provide a consistent presence in high-crime areas, such as the central parts of Greensboro, where the chance of being a victim is as high as 1 in 13.
Increasing training in de-escalation techniques and cultural competency to enhance interactions between police and the public.
Crime is not evenly distributed across Greensboro, and we need to focus our resources where they are needed most. I will:
Support the Greensboro Police Department’s focus on “priority offenders” and ensure officers are strategically deployed in high-crime areas.
Utilize data analytics and crime mapping to identify and address emerging trends and hotspots.
Advocate for increased patrols and visibility in areas with high rates of violent crime, such as neighborhoods with reported spikes in stolen property (+149%) and sex offenses (+75%) in 2023.
To stop crime before it happens, we must address its root causes. My plan includes:
Partnering with organizations like Families Against Senseless Killings to mediate conflicts and prevent retaliatory violence.
Supporting mentorship and outreach programs targeting at-risk youth to steer them away from criminal activity.
Encouraging restorative justice initiatives that focus on rehabilitation and reconciliation.
Economic hardship and lack of opportunity are key drivers of crime. To address this, I will:
Advocate for job training and employment programs in neighborhoods with high unemployment rates.
Expand after-school and extracurricular programs to keep youth engaged and on a positive path.
Partner with local businesses to create internship and apprenticeship opportunities for young people.
Community-driven solutions are essential for lasting change. I will:
Work closely with faith-based groups, nonprofits, and local leaders to create a unified response to crime.
Support programs like the Interactive Resource Center that address the needs of vulnerable populations, including the homeless.
Encourage neighborhood watch programs and other grassroots safety initiatives.
Preventing violence requires proactive measures. My plan includes:
Implementing violence interruption programs that employ trained mediators to de-escalate disputes before they turn violent.
Expanding funding for mental health and substance abuse services to address underlying causes of criminal behavior.
Promoting gun safety initiatives, including buy-back programs and stricter enforcement of existing laws.
Transparency builds trust, and trust is essential for effective policing. I will:
Advocate for the widespread use of body cameras and other technology to ensure accountability in law enforcement.
Establish regular public forums where residents can share concerns and collaborate with police on safety solutions.
Support independent oversight of police actions to maintain public confidence.
Economic disparities often correlate with higher crime rates. To address this, I will:
Support policies that promote affordable housing and reduce socioeconomic inequalities.
Ensure that revitalization projects benefit all residents and do not displace vulnerable communities.
Advocate for equitable distribution of city resources to historically underserved neighborhoods.
Breaking the cycle of crime means helping individuals reintegrate into society. I will:
Expand programs that assist formerly incarcerated individuals with job placement, housing, and mental health support.
Work with local businesses to create opportunities for second chances.
Advocate for reforms that reduce recidivism and promote successful reentry.
Reducing crime in Greensboro will take a collective effort, but I believe we can achieve meaningful change together. Despite a 19.9% increase in total violent/property crimes since 2014 and a 234.8% increase in homicides, Greensboro can turn this trend around. My plan combines immediate actions with long-term strategies to address the root causes of crime and create a safer, more vibrant community for everyone. As your representative on the City Council, I am committed to working tirelessly to make this vision a reality.
Let’s build a safer Greensboro together.
Vote for Nicky Smith this November and join the movement to make Greensboro a beacon of growth, innovation, and prosperity. Together, we can build a brighter future for our city.
Donate today, and let’s choose Greensboro’s future. Together, we can ensure that our city thrives for generations to come. Your voice matters—your vote matters—your support matters. Let’s make it count.
– Nicky Smith
Candidate for Greensboro City Council, District 4
