MPD Adding Officers To North Side To Combat Violence
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Minneapolis police say they will commit additional officers to the city's north side in response to recent violence in the area.
Chief Janee Harteau announced that 12 additional officers will be assigned to the 4th Precinct on June 12 in a statement on Friday.
"As we continue to work aggressively to address our increase in gun violence, one of my greatest concerns has been realized; people with no regard for the lives of those in our community taking the life of an innocent bystander," Harteau said.
The 12 officers are in addition to extra squads that have already been assigned to the area.
"Our gang team, our weapons teams and our shooting investigative teams are working all hours to take illegal weapons, and more importantly, dangerous gang members off the streets," Harteau said. "It is clear they have no concern for others, no reaction to community outrage and little concern for the increased police presence."
City numbers show violent crime is up nearly 11 percent in Minneapolis this year.
Harteau also said she has created a Community Support Team to help combat violence. The team is composed of influential community members from different parts of the city.
"This team has already begun its work collectively to address this violence," she said, "and together we know that it must, and will, end."
