GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Rapids Police Department is launching a new initiative in reaction to an increase in recent gun violence in the city.
Operation Safe Streets will include deploying more officers, patrol units and plain clothes personnel in targeted areas of the city this weekend. There will also be foot and bicycle patrols out at various times and the Mobile Command Post will be at the northeast corner of Eastern Avenue and Thomas Street SE.
Residents are also being asked to support police who are responding to crimes and also call police when they do see crimes being committed.
“I encourage the public to help,” Chief David Rahinsky said in a press release. “If you know something, please step forward and help us with any incidents you witness or have information about.”
Police say that in October, the city saw nine murder attempts and one shooting death. In September, there were two murder attempts and two murders. Over the last two months, there have been 62 firearm related incidents in the city.
“The shooting violence in unacceptable for us,” said Rahinsky in the press release. “And we know it is unacceptable for the community.”
