The Kinston Situation

Over the last couple of weeks, seven homicides have taken place in the eastern part of Kinston.  Most of them have taken place in a neighborhood called Mitchelltown, an area of extreme poverty and gang activity.  I received a call earlier in the week from a lady living in this neighborhood, concerned that the city was not doing enough to address the problem.  Since the last homicide, the Kinston police have put 11 new officers on the streets in this 2009 "All-American City".  The lady visited the Governor's Office today and I and Director Tate Johnson got a chance to discuss her concerns and what can be done above the municipal level.

After some research, I've written up a letter outlining the options that exist to deal with Kinston's problems.  Yet each one, if pursued (and they are not mutually exclusive) could encounter problems.

Option 1:  Law Enforcement-  If the increased police officers are not sufficient, the State Bureau of Investigation can become involved.  I spoke on the phone with an Assistant Attorney General at the NC Department of Justice who told me that for the SBI to become involved in a case, it must be invited in by the local police chief, sheriff, or district attorney.  Having already increased officer numbers, the Kinston Police might be reluctant to make this call.

Option 2:  Redevelopment Commission-  North Carolina General Statutes authorizes counties to create Regional Redevelopment Commissions.  These commissions can then research and recommend a direction for the municipality to take.  The potential problem here is that in order for a county to create a commission, it must also have a contiguous county pass a resolution to also participate in the commission.  It may be hard to convince a Duplin or Jones County commissioner to give their county's time and energy to solving Lenoir County's problem.  If a commission is created, it must receive permission from the municipality to act within the city limits.  The biggest problem would be funding.  The State does not appropriate money for these commissions and so it would have to be funded by the county and/or the city.  Most cities and counties right now are extremely strapped for cash.

Option 3:  Legislative Action-  Kinstonians could also go to their representatives in the Assembly and propose legislation be passed to provide assistance for municipalities in a situation like Kinston.  Representatives William Wainwright and Stephen LaRoque may be willing, but this certainly isn't a quick fix.