DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — According to a public statement from Dothan Commissioner Dave Stock, the city should consider a more comprehensive approach to reducing violent crime following several recent shootings in Dothan.
Stock referenced the July 3 shooting at Wiregrass Commons Mall, the July 4 shooting off Hutchins Street, the July 5 shooting off Fortner Street, and other shootings that have occurred over the past several months.
“The shooting/gun battle on July 3rd at the Wiregrass Commons Mall, the shooting hours later on July 4th off Hutchins, the shooting early morning on July 5th off Fortner, and the numerous other shootings that have occurred in the past months and years continues to tarnish the image of our city,” Stock said.
Stock praised the efforts of the Dothan Police Department, Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Dothan Fire Department and EMS personnel, saying they “do a great job responding to incidents, securing the scenes and saving lives, and investigating the crimes.” He added that while local agencies are proactive, “I think it may be time that we ask ourselves if we need help.”
Among his proposals is the creation of a formal violent crimes task force made up of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Stock said additional manpower could help identify and apprehend violent offenders before more crimes occur.
He also called for a long-term community crime prevention forum that would regularly bring together elected officials, law enforcement agencies, community advocates and residents to discuss solutions for reducing crime.
Stock suggested state lawmakers consider whether changes to Alabama law could strengthen penalties for crimes involving firearms. While emphasizing that he supports the Second Amendment, he pointed to Florida’s mandatory sentencing laws for crimes involving guns as an example worth discussing.
The commissioner also proposed stricter enforcement of curfews for minors and greater accountability for parents and guardians when juveniles commit serious crimes. He said youth intervention programs, counseling and other resources should be considered when children cannot be properly supervised.
In addition, Stock said the city should invest in strengthening families, expanding job training opportunities and encouraging strong work ethics to address some of the root causes of crime.
He also called for holding people accountable if they knowingly harbor or protect individuals who commit crimes, encouraging residents to work with law enforcement by reporting criminal activity, including through confidential tips.
“I think most people agree that it’s gotten a lot worse over the past few years and it’s time to take a robust and comprehensive approach to reducing violence in Dothan,” Stock said. “These comments and ideas are to start the conversation. I’m open to other ideas and suggestions, but we need to start somewhere and we need to start now.”
Stock concluded by saying he is concerned about the danger posed to innocent bystanders during recent shootings.
“I’m very grateful that innocent bystanders were not hit by stray bullets at the mall Friday, but I’m afraid we may not be that lucky forever and I don’t want to wait and wish we would have done more sooner,” Stock said. “We live in a great city that I and many others love… Hope is not lost but the time to act is now.”
