News Flash

Durham Police Department Robbery Response 

The Durham Police Department appreciates our Latino community partners for helping us to continue to spread the word about the unfortunate robberies impacting the Hispanic community.

Here is how we are working to put an end to the crime and make our most vulnerable residents feel safe.

I. Media Awareness 

a. We have used a contractor with the city to translate our press releases in Spanish to post on our social media pages including Facebook, Twitter & YouTube.

b. Our Hispanic liaison officer has recorded a video message to the Hispanic community in Spanish informing them about the incidents and providing a list of tips to help them to keep safe. The video has also been posted on our social media pages and website and will be shared with the media.

c. Our Public Affairs Unit is sending out information to our Spanish-speaking TV, radio, and print media outlets to get the messaging out to their viewers and the public.

II. Law Enforcement Community Involvement

a. Our Hispanic liaison officer is speaking with Hispanic church leaders so that they can get the message out to their congregations.

b. Our Spanish-speaking officers will be in the community to pass out flyers to businesses (while maintaining social distancing) and to post them in areas targeted by the suspects.

c. Our Hispanic liaison officer and officers from the Community Services Division are contacting Hispanic leaders to share the message with their groups and neighborhoods.

III. Police Action 

a. We are increasing patrols in the area and the Durham Police Department patrol officers are monitoring the hot spots where the crimes are taking place.

b. Our victim services employees are constantly in communications with the victims and ensuring that they are informed and staying updated on their individual cases.

c. Our investigators are following up on leads and putting resources together to identify the suspects.

We are aware that most people are focused on staying at home and being healthy as we battle the COVID-19 epidemic.

But as you can see not everyone is sharing in that philosophy.

We would like for you to know that despite the recent rash of crimes, we are working hard to find the person or persons responsible for these robberies. We will continue to be transparent as we educate the public and the media about these incidents, but make no mistake, we are dedicating all of our resources to put an end to the spree and put the people responsible behind bars.