It's a new day in the Bull City and it's mayor Leonardo William's first day on the job. Crime is still top of mind for many who live in Durham. Last month he told ABC11 he plans to tackle crime through filling positions on the police force. According to Durham Police, there are 405 sworn police officers, but full staffing levels would be 535 officers. Recruitment efforts are ongoing.
Mayor Williams also shared details around a new apprenticeship program that would give teens jobs in tech, science, and trades. Community partners are already on board. The new apprenticeship program for teens will launch next month. Williams believes this could be a solution to gun violence in the city. "When their time is occupied with things building them as a person, they're not in the streets killing each other," he said.
ABC11 met Farrington and Helen Mangum in downtown Durham. Mangum would like the mayor to work with the police force on sensitivity and bias training. "Going in and finding out more about how they think and why the communities are the way they are. How to approach them and not to be afraid of people," she said.
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