EAST POINT, Ga. — In the first of several budget hearings, East Point's mayor and police chief disagreed about whether crime is on the rise in the south Fulton County city.
Mayor Ernestine Pittman said the police force is oversized for the city's population and crime is down. Pittman wants to cut down the size of the police department to help balance the budget.
"East Point is a safe city," Pittman said.
Residents, however, agree with Police Chief Woodrow Blue, who says crime is on the rise, especially assaults, burglaries and car thefts.
"We need our policemen. Please do not cut our policemen," one resident said at Monday night's city council meeting.
Residents said the crime rate is too high to eliminate officers. They said the Egan Park neighborhood specifically is suffering.
"We have a burglary or two every day," homeowner Marcus Davis said.
Blue got a round of applause at the meeting when he said he is against any reduction in the force.
"I want to go on record saying what I think, because we definitely can use some more officers," Blue said.
The biggest round of applause of the night went to the officer who told the council officers are stretched thin and need help, not less officers.
"Cut what needs to be cut, not what you want to cut," the officer said.
Monday night's hearing was one of several, so nothing has been decided about a reduction in the force.
WSBTV
