The Columbus Police Department says it is increasing the number of police officers on patrol by 40 percent.
Beginning this weekend and continuing for the next two, officers will be conducting “heavy patrols” in areas where recent shootings have occurred, according to a CPD press release.
“We will be adding four more patrol officers during the weekend to spend time in the areas where we have received calls of shootings and other violence,” Mayor Robert Smith said Friday in the release. “We know one of the answers to this crime is a bigger police presence and that starts today.”
Interim Police Chief Fred Shelton told The Dispatch at a public meeting Thursday night that one of the areas where patrols would be increased is the area around Genesis Daycare on 23rd Street North. Genesis went on lockdown Jan. 7 after employees heard gunshots fired outside the building. Employees and police later discovered a bullet in one of the daycare’s classrooms. No injuries were reported. No arrest has been made in that case.
Shelton said patrols will also be increased on the Southside in the area around 10th Avenue South, where a robbery occurred Monday night.
CPD will also beef up patrols in the Sim Scott Park area, which has been a trouble spot for violence.
Members of the Columbus City Council support the plan, according to the press release.
“The Council is 150 percent behind the mayor and (Interim Police Chief Fred Shelton) on this,” Ward 2 Councilman Joseph Mickens said. “We will protect our citizens and we will make Columbus safe; no matter what it takes. We take this responsibility very serious and are taking the steps needed.”
Smith approved overtime for the increased patrols over the next three weekends, according to the release.
When contacted Friday afternoon, Smith said he did not know the exact amount the city will pay for the overtime, but added that the amount does not matter for citizen safety.
“Regardless of what it amounts to, safety for the citizens is our first priority,” the mayor said.
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