TAMPA, Florida — Loraine Wright said she's lived in Robles Park for more than 20 years, but it wasn't until recent years that she felt safer.
"There are more kids out and about playing with each other," Wright said.
Wright said she believes opportunities to connect, not during moments of crime, are helping.
Tampa police officers arrived at Robles Park Village for its routine "front porch roll call sessions." The department states it's an opportunity for officers to address crime concerns and listen to people about their neighborhoods' needs.
The sessions happen throughout different parts of the city at the request of the community, according to the Tampa Police Department. As of recently, the sessions have happened monthly at Robles Park at the request of the community.
"There are 400,000 residents and only a thousand police officers here, so it's a team effort," Major Eric DeFelice of Tampa police said.
One pregnant woman who lives in Robles Park said she doesn't feel safe. She explained she has witnessed drive-by shootings in broad daylight. The latest one she remembers was on Mother's Day.
"I don’t want to be next. People will be shooting and driving by," Shenaiah Wootson stated.
Wootson plans to move before she is due with her daughter because she doesn't feel safe.
"I don’t want to have my baby over here. I don’t want to go into labor over here," Wootson said.
Wootson is happy to see Tampa Police in the neighborhood and hopes they can install more cameras.
"People fight around here. They influence kids to fight," she added.
With more efforts on community policing and connections in place from neighbors, the department hopes it will lead to more people who commit crimes being held accountable.
While the sessions aren't new, the department states it will be a bigger priority under the leadership of Police Chief Lee Bercaw, who was confirmed by the Tampa City Council this week.
"It creates a bond, it creates a friendship, and then both sides are more agreeable to help one another," DeFelice said.
So far this year, TPD is reporting 14 aggravated assault incidents in the Robles Park area.
Hillsborough County State Attorney Susan Lopez also said the office is partnering with schools and religious organizations. By offering mentorship programs and other opportunities, she said they're aimed to support teens and children.
It comes after the office, along with Tampa police, announced the arrest of a 15-year-old man in connection to a shooting involving a group of juveniles on June 15.