ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Police say there have been 43 homicides citywide in 2018.
As the city's new police chief, Orlando Rolon says he wants use those numbers and other crime data with hopes of getting a better understanding of violent crimes and how to reduce them.
- Rolon wants stats for better understanding of crimes, offenders, victims
- He wants to partner with Orlando-area scholars to analyze the stats
- Activist calling on community to unite, work with police to reduce crime
Rolon says he wants to partner with area scholars to help study those crime number and get a better understanding of who victims and offenders are.
“Maybe tap our great University of Central Florida and some other institutions here in Central Florida to dive into our data to basically see what is the common factor or correlations between victims, and offenders. Does there past have influence on them being victimized or becoming an offender?” Chief Rolon said.
For about a decade Sandra Fatmi has been working across Central Florida to reduce crime and find ways to help area youth. Fatmi serves as the president and founder of the United Foundation of Central Florida and president of the Pine Hills Community Council.
In her work, she has come in close contact with families who have lost loved ones due to violence.
“I know of friends and family members and people that have lost loved ones due to violence, and I’ll tell you it is very important that we understand that we all have to do something; this is a village concept,” Fatmi said.
Chief Rolon says the suggested study on crime numbers would give city and community leaders the tools they need to improve safety in communities.
“Every year, through the end of the year, I think we will be in a better position to best address where our attention should be,” Rolon said.
Chief Rolon says he welcomes other law enforcement agencies taking part in these studies as well.