Reading seeks to boost police force, asks for community help after uptick in crime

(Harrisburg) — Law enforcement and community leaders are working together to address a recent rash of crime in Reading.

City Councilwoman Donna Reed said the past month has been an “extraordinarily dangerous” one. There were two fatal stabbings, one shooting and an armed robbery just this past weekend.

Since Reading is under the state’s program for financially distressed municipalities, it’s difficult to hire more police officers or increase pay to retain them. That’s put a strain on the department. 

“That’s why the cooperation we’ve had with the sheriff’s office, with the county detectives has been so critical because it’s added more person power on the street,” Reed said.

Reed said the next step is to work with the city’s Act 47 coordinator to see if they can make the finances work to bulk up the force.

“But really, the critical thing doesn’t really have a dollar amount tied to it,” she said. “The critical thing is citizen participation, citizen involvement, people speaking up.”

Berks County District Attorney John Adams has said hesitation from the community to assist law enforcement has been a stumbling block in moving investigations forward.

Reed added the city faces a number of challenges including a high poverty rate, and economic development will be another part of addressing the crime issue.