Charleston first responders and city employees who responded to a survey did not give favorable marks to needle programs, with more than 86% saying the health department’s program was not good for the city and more than 83% saying they believe it led to an increase in crime. City Council Public Safety Committee member Bruce King said in a statement that first responders are overwhelmingly against needle programs. The members of the Charleston City Council Public Safety Committee released the recent results of a survey of employees of the Charleston Police Department, Charleston Fire Department, Charleston Refuse Department and Charleston Public Grounds Department. WCHS TV reported the city received 136 responses to the survey. Charleston City Council has been considering amending the city’s current ordinance on needle exchange so West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources certification would be necessary to operate a syringe service program.