by Miranda G. McLeod
Staff Writer
State Attorney Harry Shorstein started Tuesday afternoon’s press conference with jokes he heard on television, but quickly turned serious to address recent reports of a possible grand jury investigation into Jacksonville’s crime and homicide rates.
“I do not believe that a grand jury inquiry would prove useful,” said Shorstein. “The review and investigation would be addressed secretly. I don’t think’s that’s beneficial for the public.”
That is contrary to what has been previously reported by the media. Shorstein said the press may have misunderstood his earlier comments that suggested an investigation would be appropriate.
“I want to dispel any misconception of a grand jury,” said Shorstein.
Questions into the high rates were addressed earlier this year. On Feb. 8 the Jacksonville Community Council Inc. released its 2005 Quality of Life Report, which addressed the homicide issue. But JCCI thinks the rates merit further study.
The study would examine causes for the rising rate and look at possible solutions. The report would provide a targeted approach to make Jacksonville safer, and also provide public policy guidance, according to Ben Warner, deputy director of JCCI.
City Council members met Tuesday night to vote on funding for the study. The study would be paid for with money seized during drug arrests.
Sheriff John Rutherford said that bill would be passed.
The State Attorney also wanted to present a “unified front” to the people of Jacksonville and let them know the issues are being addressed.
Rutherford, who was at Shorstein’s side, noted programs such as the Violent Crime Task Force, Operation Show Down and the Aggravated Battery Unity that played a small part in crime reductions last year. Beyond that, Rutherford said the two offices are trying to find other things that can impact the crime and homicide rates to bring the numbers down.
Shorstein said it was critical to the community’s support as well as Mayor John Peyton’s.
“I have met with Sheriff Rutherford frequently about Jacksonville’s crime rate and agree with him that it will take a community wide effort including business, education and faith based organizations to comprehensively address the problem of crime and violence,” said Shorstein. “In addition, Sheriff Rutherford and I have met together with Mayor Peyton and have found him to be fully supportive of our crime prevention efforts. Jacksonville is well served by leaders who understand how critical the issue of crime is to the future of our city and are committed to addressing the problem.”