BUILDING A BETTER GREENSBORO, TOGETHER.

Greensboro at a Crossroads: Taking Bold Action to Restore Safety, Trust, and Community

Turning the Tide: Restoring Safety and Trust in Greensboro

Greensboro, we are failing. With five homicides in the first ten days of the year, it is clear that we face a crisis that demands immediate action from citizens, community leaders, and law enforcement alike. As someone deeply invested in the future of our city, I find it unacceptable to stand by as violent crime escalates, families grieve, and neighborhoods lose their sense of security. It’s time to make Greensboro a model city for safety and a haven where families can thrive.

Greensboro has experienced five homicides in the first ten days of the year. The incidents are as follows:

  • January 1, 2025: A 29-year-old man was fatally shot in the early hours on Lawndale Drive, marking the city’s first homicide of the year. WXII 12
  • January 2, 2025: A 24-year-old man was shot multiple times on Central Avenue and died at the scene. A 16-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. WFMY NEWS 2
  • January 4, 2025: An 18-year-old victim was brought to a hospital by a driver and later died from gunshot wounds. Details about this case are still under investigation. FOX 8 WGHP
  • January 6, 2025: A 25-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound on West Vandalia Road and later died from his injuries. A suspect has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. WFMY NEWS 2
  • January 9, 2025: Greensboro Police investigate city’s fifth homicide in nine days, announce community meetings to address crime. Greensboro News & Record 

 

Supporting Our Police

To effectively combat crime, we must begin by empowering our police department. Chief Thompson and his team need the tools, resources, and freedom to recruit and retain experienced officers. This includes actively hiring skilled professionals from smaller communities ready to take on the challenges of a larger city like Greensboro. Competitive compensation packages and benefits will ensure we attract top talent committed to serving and see Greensboro as a long-term career destination.

Additionally, the city should prioritize recruiting career military veterans. These men and women have served our nation honorably and bring invaluable discipline, training, and leadership experience. Their transition to local law enforcement can be seamless, and they can contribute immediately to a safer Greensboro.

 

Incentivizing and Retaining Current Officers

We must also focus on retaining our current officers by incentivizing their dedication and service. One effective measure would be allowing officers to take their patrol cars home. A visible police presence in neighborhoods deters crime and reassures residents that help is nearby. This small but impactful change can strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

 

The Cost of Reactive Policies

Our current reactive approach to policing has left us vulnerable. The tragic departure of our former police chief to UNC-Chapel Hill highlighted the consequences of rejecting proactive strategies. In just four years, Greensboro has suffered 217 homicides and the loss of two police officers, Sgt. Philip Nix and Officer Michael Horan. These are not just statistics; they represent lives lost and families shattered. We cannot continue down this path.

 

Engaging the Community

The Greensboro Police Department is taking steps to address these concerns by hosting a series of community meetings and other initiatives. These forums allow residents to voice their concerns and collaborate with law enforcement to find solutions. I encourage all citizens to participate and make their voices heard. Together, we can identify strategies to prevent violence and ensure the safety of our neighborhoods.

 

Community Outcry: Residents Demand Tougher Sentencing and Safer Neighborhoods

The city’s fifth homicide sparked frustration among Facebook users, many of whom urged the judicial system to adopt stricter measures against offenders.

Facebook Greensboro Police Department

Pam Forbes commented: “Can judges and magistrates come to these meetings? Seems they’re the ones that slap them on the wrist and let them go after you guys arrest them. Lock ‘em up longer in less cozy confinement, vigorous work camps, something severe enough they never want to experience it again. Keep up the good work GPD, the problem is not what you’re doing.’’

Sue Law expressed a similar sentiment on the Greensboro Police Department’s Facebook page: “Here’s a idea put more of the criminals that come through the courts IN JAIL FOR A LONG TIME instead of a slap and out. If judges were held responsible for a criminals crimes if he let’s them off easy I’m betting there were be a lot more in jail for life,’’ on the GPD’s Facebook page.

Courtney Reyes shared her concerns in the comments, expressing gratitude for the police while voicing worries about safety in her neighborhood.

“I’m thankful for everything the Greensboro Police Department does, and I hope things improve in our city. My neighborhood usually feels safe, but on Tuesday night, my husband was coming into the house when a car sped down our street, firing a gun. It was terrifying for all of us. Some neighbors came out, and we found bullet casings on the side of the road. We didn’t call the police because we figured there wasn’t much they could do. This area has a lot of kids and families—it’s near a school. I hope we can all agree that changes need to happen to make Greensboro safer for everyone,” she wrote.

 

A Unified Approach

Crime prevention is not solely the responsibility of the police. Judges, magistrates, and lawmakers must ensure swift and fair justice. Repeat offenders cannot continue to cycle through the system with minimal consequences. As one resident aptly said, “Lock ‘em up longer in less cozy confinement.”

Neighborhoods also play a critical role. Residents must report suspicious activity and work collaboratively to address issues like gun violence. Silence only enables criminals, and we must not allow fear to dictate our actions.

 

A Safer Greensboro Is Possible

We can turn Greensboro into a city known for its low crime rates and safe neighborhoods. This will require bold decisions, unwavering commitment, and collective effort. Let’s make 2025 the year we take back our streets, support our police, and rebuild trust in our community.

Greensboro, the time for action is now. Together, we can create a city where every family feels safe, and every child has the opportunity to grow up in peace. Let’s rise to the challenge and prove that Greensboro is not defined by its struggles but by its resilience and determination to overcome them.

More Reading Resources:
WFMY News 2 – 25-year-old dies in Greensboro’s fourth homicide of 2025, police say
ABC 45 News – Man dead by shooting on Central Avenue in Greensboro, police investigating as homicide
Chapel Hill Hires New Greensboro Police Chief
WSJ – Make $100,000, the Billboard Says: Police Departments Are Hustling For Recruits
International Association of Chiefs of Police – Recruitment, Retention, and Turnover of Law Enforcement Personnel
Police1 – How to attract top talent and retain skilled professionals
Eleven Tips and Strategies to Improve Police Officer Retention, Recruitment + Hiring
Recruiting best practices your agency should consider implementing this year


 

A Vision for a Safer Greensboro

Greensboro is a city full of potential, but we cannot thrive if our residents feel unsafe. By investing in our police force, improving infrastructure, and fostering community trust, we can create a city where families flourish and businesses grow. Together, we can make Greensboro a place where safety and security are priorities and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Let’s build the future our city deserves. Greensboro is ready for a new era—let’s get to work.

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