RICHMOND, Va (WTVR) -- Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones said one reason he decided to replace Police Chief Bryan Norwood was due to a rise in crime. CBS 6 checked the facts and discovered for the last nine of 10 years the murder rate has actually dropped. Despite the facts, the mayor has since replaced the newly resigned Norwood with Ray Tarasovic.
Tarasovic began his new post today. Former chief Norwood resigned after more than four years of overseeing the force. The change is clouded in controversy.
"There were a lot of shady things going on as far as the city of Richmond Police Department," Fan resident Dan Gilbert said. "There have been plenty of things said."
The Fan in particular is an area plagued by petty crime. In 2012 the community experienced the most minor crime offenses with 1,031 which includes everything from disorderly conduct, hit-and-run's, destruction of property and even annoying phone calls. Gilbert is hoping the violations don't turn into something more serious like the recorded three of the 44 homicides at Whitcomb Court last year. Whitcomb residents said they are open to the idea a new chief will work to cut crime.
In 2010 when Norwood was chief, the city saw the fewest number of violent offenses in 40 years. Richmond residents are now hopeful, the new chief will take any necessary steps to continue with the downward trend.
"There is so much violent crime in this city, and I'm hoping the new police chief will be able to crack down on it," Gilbert said.
To view more of the crime statistics, click here.
