Last week, City of Norwich Police Chief Reuben Roach gave testimony at a U.S. Senate Committee hearing: Crime on the Rise: How Lawlessness is Impacting Main Street America. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH — On January 11, City of Norwich Police Chief Reuben Roach gave testimony at the U.S. Capitol for a Small Business hearing titled, “Crime on the Rise: How Lawlessness is Impacting Main Street America.”

Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), Chairman of the House Committee on Small Business, gaveled in a full committee hearing and said the meeting was going to focus on the negative impact of rampant crime on small businesses and what can be done to address it.

Roach was among four other witnesses and business owners who were called to share insight into the various challenges and need for change.

He said smaller communities are witnessing the first hand consequences of the crime rate and how it is impacting rural America.

Roach said his duties include managing 21 full time officers wearing the City of Norwich Police uniform. He said he's worked in almost every subcategory in law enforcement and it is a very rewarding and fulfilling career.

In 2003, Roach said he was asked to be a representative on the board of Commerce Chenango and quickly learned how many of the businesses are suffering and that most are desperate for something to change.

He said the complaints he heard were about the influx of homeless, loitering, open drug use in the business district, and he said people are defecating and urinating in many business doorways and parking areas.