Community Discusses Crime in Five Points

(WOLO) COLUMBIA,S.C., —

Dozens of Columbia residents, business and city leaders came out to put their heads together to find creative ideas they hope will help keep five points safe. This after an 18 year old USC freshman was shot by a stray bullet as she stood in the entertainment district waiting for a cab Sunday Morning.

There were various suggestions that were thrown out during the open forum including adding more lights to the area, bringing back mounted police officers and K-9, and how to change laws that will keep repeat offenders off the street.

While many of those who spoke during the session say they have seen Columbia police out in force doing as much as they can to keep the streets of five points safe, they also believe more can be done by law enforcement and by the community as a whole.

Chief Ruben Santiago says he can understand the frustration of the city. While they are reviewing policies and different police tactics he admits some things are going to be a little harder to change than others.

“There are three things that make up the crime triangle. two of them are opportunity and ability. We can control those through strategy. But desire is the unfortunate factor. If someone is so motivated to come down here and commit such a heinous and senseless crime then those things are more reactive then our police work.”