Fort Pierce residents unhappy with police response to shootings

FORT PIERCE, Fla. – Some Fort Pierce residents have expressed dissatisfaction with police calling on the public to help put an end to gun violence in the city.

“Funerals are becoming a social event in the community,” said resident Lisa Faye Prince-Mobley. “Something really needs to be done.”

Fort Pierce police held a safety press conference Thursday morning and urged citizens to come together. Officials made it clear that they want citizens to use their voices when it comes to solving crimes.

“I can tell you that the success rate on our cases is higher, significantly higher, when the community is involved,” said Major Mike Santiago of the Fort Pierce Police Department. “When the community talks to us, when the community calls 911.”

Police Chief Diane Hobley-Burney reported that there were 11 shootings in Fort Pierce in May and one in June.

Prince-Mobley, founder of a gun violence prevention program, said she approached the police chief about getting involved, but her efforts came to nothing.

“You can’t say we want the community’s help, but when the community extends its hand to us, you tell us we are not going to raise our children for you,” she said.

Prince-Mobley grew up in Fort Pierce and said she was part of the problem as a young person, but after a shooting last year, she formed the Block Builders Community Action Group with the mother of a gun violence victim.

“People have been screaming for a long time,” Prince-Mobley said. “How many more lives have to be lost? How much more blood has to be shed before you do what you keep promising?”

Fort Pierce police officials said they have increased patrols, but some residents disagree.

“Go where the murders are happening,” advises Pastor Elder Lovell Lee. “Go where it’s hottest.”

Gun violence continues to be a topic of discussion, as it was brought up during last week’s City Commission meeting, although it was not on the agenda.

“I’m tired of getting up at all hours of the day and night, at 12 or 1 a.m. when shots are fired,” said one resident.

Santiago said they have contacted the city government in the hope of installing more surveillance cameras.