EAST POINT, Ga. — A metro Atlanta community wants something done about the crime in their area, and are hoping that the new police chief is the man for the job.

East Point Police Chief Shawn Buchanan agrees that measures need to be taken to prevent the rash of violent crime in the area. He says he will be making major changes to make the community safe.

One of the most noticeable changes he is proposing is more patrols on the streets of East Point.

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Residents of East Point tell Channel 2′s Michele Newell that although they’re concerned about the rise in violent crime, they still have to go about their days as they would otherwise.

“It just makes me be even more conscious,” said one mother who only wanted to be identified as Akilah. “Before I found out [about the crime], I felt safe.”

Chief Buchanan and East Point Mayor Deana Holiday Ingraham spoke inside City Hall on Tuesday about recent violence and how they will reduce it.

“Every East Pointer should be able to do day-to-day activities, like going to the ATM,” Mayor Ingraham said.

Last month, Juan Lopez was shot and killed at an ATM on East Point Street. Police are still searching for those who are responsible for his death. Earlier this week, police released a surveillance photo of one of the suspects.

“The reason I released that photo is very simple. I want to make sure you have no place to hide,” Chief Buchanan said.

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Last week, a 24-year-old cancer survivor was shot and killed after confronting a group of men breaking into his car. Police have also released a set of surveillance photos in that investigation.

Chief Buchanan told Newell that he wants to purchase 25 more patrol cars.

“Are there enough on the streets now? Yes, there are. However, we want to have every officer have a take home vehicle,” he said.

Buchanan also says that every member of the department, regardless of their rank, will be on patrol to make sure they create a safer city.

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Newell also learned that homicides in the city are down 50% compared to last year, according to Buchanan. He also added that aggravated assaults and robberies are down as well.

There is no time period when neighbors in East Point can expect to see increased patrols.

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