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Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow was on Thursday’s edition of WIZS Town Talk for a general discussion on crime in the city as well as to provide updates on recent newsworthy incidents.
Barrow reassured listeners that law enforcement is making strides in the on-going war against drugs, a feat that he believes is made possible by the cooperative spirit between local agencies.
“We’ve federally indicted 152 people now since I became chief in December 2013,” Barrow said. “I think that’s very successful. Our District Attorney’s office has made some transitions to move some cases along in the state court system, which has really helped.”
“Our agencies are working really well together right now. The sheriff [Curtis Brame] has been a blessing to our agency. Our togetherness shows and shines through; it’s like it should be.”
Another essential part of fighting crime, according to Barrow, is the information and assistance provided by the general public and organizations such as Vance County Crime Stoppers.
“We wouldn’t solve anything without the public unless we saw it first hand,” said Barrow. “The information the public gives us is vital to every investigation – especially violent crimes and drug deals.”
While violent crimes and drug arrests often get the most press, Barrow reassured citizens that most calls are less intense in nature. “We get a large volume of calls, the majority of which are common, domestic calls such as arguments and civil issues.”
When asked about police pay and retention rates, Barrow said progress has been made in making salary and benefits more competitive, an accomplishment he credits, in part, to Henderson City Manager Frank Frazier.
“In my short tenure as chief, the City Manager [Frazier] has been instrumental in assisting the police department with huge pay increases. We aren’t quite there yet, but we do have benefits that people don’t have in other locations. It takes us going out and making those recruitment contacts for people to understand what the City of Henderson has to offer.”
To hear Barrow’s interview in its entirety, including updates on recent crimes in Henderson, please click here. Listen live to WIZS’ Town Talk Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. on 1450AM, 100.1 FM or online at www.wizs.com.