Today Mayor Mike McGinn and Councilmember Bruce Harrell were joined by community leaders and the Seattle Police Department to respond to recent incidents of violent crime in Seattle. The mayor detailed the recent launch of new violence prevention emphasis patrols in each of the city's five precincts. Precincts are deploying extra officers on the street to address street disorder, assaults, and shootings, focusing on the specific problems in each neighborhood.

"Everyone who lives here, who works here, who shops here, and who comes here to enjoy what Seattle has to offer deserves to feel safe and secure. That goes for every neighborhood in our city," said Mayor McGinn. "Public safety requires a strong partnership with the community, and we are committed to working with community leaders on public safety."

"Many witnesses withhold valuable information from the police because of their fear of retaliation, mistrust of the government and because they comply with a code of silence," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. "We are asking community leaders and organizations to work with the Police Department, the Mayor's Office and the Public Safety Committee in establishing new norms of cooperation and trust. Every community has the right to be safe and we are asking the community to help us establish cooperation with the police, institute preventative measures before crime and violence occurs through the 9-1-1 system; and help deliver a message to our youth that violence and the unlawful use of guns destroy what so many work to build-healthy communities. Our strategy will be to strengthen and protect our community."

In the South Precinct, where the event was held, violence prevention emphasis patrols will be supplemented by patrol officers and Anti-Crime Team officers who will continue to aggressively patrol Rainier Beach. SPD Gang Unit detectives, Traffic and SWAT officers are also patrolling Rainier Beach, and Community Police Team officers and crime prevention coordinators are working with Rainier Beach businesses. The deployment of these resources will differ in each precinct, according to the community's needs.

"By dedicating a group of officers in each precinct to address these problems these problems in our communities, we can improve our ability to prevent violence, in particular, gun violence" said Deputy Chief Metz. "These patrols, which include additional officers called in, have already begun to see some results."

Community leaders spoke at the event today about a community-oriented approach to ending violence. "My message to the community and especially to our youth is - leave the guns at home" said Reverend Harriet Walden, local community leader. "If you're going to a club, or to see your friends, have a great time. Just leave the guns at home. Don't throw your life away on a fight that didn't mean anything."

Mayor McGinn recently visited the sites where homicides have occurred in 2012 with Seattle Police Assistant Chief Jim Pugel to learn more about this recent increase in violent crime and what the City is doing to address it. The mayor's office is also providing support and advice to community groups as they develop action plans to engage neighborhoods directly to help stop and solve violent crime.

We are asking community members to keep their eyes and ears open for violent or suspicious behavior. If you have information that can help us prevent or solve a crime, please contact us at 9-1-1 or the Homicide/Assault Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.