717 E. Martin Street is an area that has see tremendous change over the past two years. Two years ago it indeed was the epicenter for gang activity in Wake County, let alone Raleigh. With the advent of Chief Dolans’ Community Policing initiatives that area has shown remarkable transformation. We are in regular contact with Mr. and Mrs. Exum, who own the shopping center, they will tell you that what they see today is amazing compared to what they saw two years ago. In fact, there are negotiations in place right now to see whether we can open up our next Community Office (we currently have two, one located at the Tarboro Road Community Center and one located at 1100 N. Raleigh Blvd) within the shopping center. The area has a Community Officer, Chris Hill, specifically assigned to it, we keep a close eye on the area, and we are working closely with the businesses and residents to ensure 717 E. Martin Street never returns to its former status. If you have more information regarding when you have seen the large number of people loitering and panhandling please contact me directly so we can target enforcement. We are keeping a close eye on the area 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but we will look even closer, making sure our efforts remain diligent.

Captain Andrew Lull
Southeast District
Raleigh Police Department
996-4455 Front Desk
996-1275 Office
Andrew.Lull@raleighnc.gov