WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Winston-Salem police said it needs a new district, so it can increase patrols downtown.
Officers said they keep getting calls to the area and lots of people have moved there.
"I've had plenty of friends who have gotten carjacked - their cars have gotten hacked. That stuff happens," said Single Brothers bartender Jose Hernandez.
Winston-Salem Police said in the past decade, calls for crime downtown have doubled compared to other parts of the city.
And the population has grown by 40%.
To get a better handle on crime, the city is proposing adding a fourth police district to have better staffing downtown.
Police went before the city's public safety committee to discuss the idea.
"We'll work through the logistics of this implementation over the next few months," said Assistant Police Chief Allen. "Currently, downtown, the bike patrol will be a part of this area, so that will be part of the current downtown area - they will be part of this district."
Dakota Lemm works at the Soccer Shop on North Liberty Street.
"I think it's alright. The police that are around now, they're around pretty often," Lemm said. "It's pretty calm on this street."
He said the area near his shop is safe but said other streets downtown could use more attention. Like Glenn Avenue where five people were shot and a person died in November at Spott Sports Bar.
A couple of months before that, there was a fight at Thirsty Pallet Bar where seven people were charged.
And multiple shootings on Burke Street at Gatsby's Pub, one of them deadly.
"I like it when I see my local policeman doing foot patrols. They walk into my bar sometimes to make sure I'm good," Hernandez said.
Hernandez said Trade Street is pretty safe.
"I walk up and down the street most nights. Most people I know," Hernandez said. "Sure there's one or two people who have an off night, but for the most part, I don't think I need people patrolling around me."
According to police, the downtown area is only 4% of the entire city's footprint, but it's where 11% of the city's homicides, rapes, robberies, and assaults happen.
Hernandez said he's a bit concerned about how the police will implement coverage.
"One day I see these two cops tackle this homeless guy known for stealing. If that's what it's going to be like then I don't know," Hernandez said.
The department said it won't add officers to the force. Instead, they'll reorganize.
City council must first approve the idea.