Elizabeth City, N.C. – At a Thursday news conference, Police Chief Eddie Graham and Mayor Kirk Rivers shared the city’s 2025 crime statistics, showing a clear downward trend compared with 2024. The officials highlighted a combination of target‑driven policing, expanded officer staffing and deeper community engagement as the primary reasons for the improvement.

2025 crime numbers show measurable progress

The city released the following figures for the four major crime categories tracked by the department:

Murder: 3 incidents in 2024, down to 2 in 2025
Rape: 5 incidents in 2024, down to 2 in 2025
Robbery: 9 incidents in 2024, down to 6 in 2025
Motor vehicle theft: 52 incidents in 2024, down to 22 in 2025

Chief Graham called the results “a defining milestone for our community,” emphasizing that the decline is not a matter of chance but the result of deliberate strategy.

Investing in officers and neighborhood presence

Since the summer of 2024, the Elizabeth City Police Department has added more than 20 officers to its ranks. Graham explained that the department has also increased patrols in residential neighborhoods, allowing officers to build relationships with residents on a daily basis.

“When they have the opportunity to see a police officer, talk to a police officer, it builds that relationship,” Graham said. Mayor Kirk Rivers echoed the sentiment, noting that the city’s leadership is committed to providing the department with the resources it needs to continue this momentum.

Community voices support the effort

Local resident Ralph Cole expressed optimism after hearing the numbers. “I think that the shift is definitely happening, and I definitely see the shift continuing to go that way,” he said. Cole stressed the importance of police‑community dialogue, especially with young people, as a key factor in sustaining safety.

Looking ahead

Both Graham and Rivers cautioned that the work is not finished. Graham said, “While these figures provide that our collaborative efforts are working and our neighborhoods are becoming safer, our mission is far from complete.” He urged the community to use the current momentum to push for even lower numbers in the years ahead.

Mayor Rivers added, “We’re continuing to give the police department all that they need in order to make continued strides. Our true measure of success remains the lived experiences and peace of mind of every resident.”

What this means for residents

For families and faith‑based groups in Elizabeth City, the decline in violent crime and vehicle theft offers a tangible sign of a safer environment for children, seniors and congregations alike. The city’s focus on partnership with community organizations aligns with traditional family values and the desire for neighborhoods where parents feel confident letting their children play outside.

Officials plan to keep the public informed through regular updates and town‑hall meetings, ensuring transparency and continued community involvement in public‑safety initiatives.

Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.