Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins told City Council that the city’s total reported incidents dropped 2.77% between July and September, signaling a modest overall improvement in public safety. While the decline suggests progress, the chief cautioned that the numbers may also reflect fewer reports being filed.
Rise in Violent Crimes
Despite the overall dip, the department recorded an 18.18% increase in robberies compared with the same period in 2025, and aggravated assaults rose 24.07%. Jenkins attributed the uptick in robberies partly to recent economic shifts and personal choices made by some residents.
“We have made a number of arrests in those robberies,” Jenkins said, highlighting a case involving a young woman charged with at least three robberies. “Our officers are working hard to hold perpetrators accountable and keep neighborhoods safe.”
Community Perspective
Long‑time resident Lisa Hickman noted that crime feels lower than when she was growing up, but she expressed concern over police response times. “The response times are a bit slow for things that feel important to everyone,” she said. “Just because it’s not super important to you doesn’t mean it’s not important to that person, so everything should be treated as an emergency.”
Officer Recruitment and Retention
Chief Jenkins also warned that the department is struggling to retain and recruit officers. He explained that while starting pay is comparable to other cities, Portsmouth cannot match the scheduling flexibility offered by some fire departments that have added a fourth shift.
Vice Mayor Bill Moody echoed the urgency, describing the staffing gap as an “emergency” that requires immediate action. He proposed that the city address officer pay and benefits in the current budget year to make Portsmouth more competitive.
Building a Future Pipeline
To secure a steady flow of qualified candidates, Jenkins outlined plans for a school‑based pipeline program. Mayor Shannon Glover supported the idea, emphasizing the need to educate young people about the choices that could keep them on a path toward law enforcement.
“We need to talk to them about the things they shouldn’t be doing that could potentially prevent them from becoming a police officer,” Glover said. “Because I don’t care how much you pay, if we can’t get qualified people through the door, we’re going to be in trouble.”
Next Steps
The council will consider Moody’s budget proposal and the department’s recommendations at its next meeting. Community members are encouraged to provide input on public‑safety priorities, especially regarding response times and the proposed youth outreach program.
Portsmouth officials remain optimistic that targeted investments in pay, benefits, and education will reverse the recent rise in violent crimes and restore confidence in the city’s police force.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
