Department of Justice Targeting Seven Cities in New Crackdown on Violent Crime
MATT DURR
DECEMBER 20, 2019
MLIVE.COM, WALKER, MICH.
Seven cities are now being targeted by the Justice Department for improvements to be made to safety and to crackdown on violent crime.
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
“Americans deserve to live in safety,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “And while nationwide violent crime rates are down, many cities continue to see levels of extraordinary violence. Operation Relentless Pursuit seeks to ensure that no American city is excluded from the peace and security felt by the majority of Americans, while also supporting those who serve and protect in these communities with the resources, training, and equipment they need to stay safe.”
As part of the operation, The Justice Department pledged to increase the number of federal officers in each of the targeted cities, along with financial commitments of up to $71 million. Those funds could be used for funding task forces, hiring new officers, paying overtime and buying new equipment.
While the operation acknowledges danger in these cities, Barr praised Craig’s work in Detroit and the efforts that have gone into lowering violent crime in the city. During the press conference, Craig said violence in the city has dropped 14% from 2014 to 2018 and the AP reports the city had the fewest reported murders in 2018 -- 260 -- than it had in the last 50 years.
Although he’s pleased crime is dropping in the city, Craig said he’s not satisfied with the results just yet.
“I’m not going to sit here and wave a flag of success,” Craig said. “We know there is more work to do.”
MATT DURR
DECEMBER 20, 2019
MLIVE.COM, WALKER, MICH.
Seven cities are now being targeted by the Justice Department for improvements to be made to safety and to crackdown on violent crime.
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT
- Detroit
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Baltimore
- Cleveland
- Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, metropolitan area
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Milwaukee
“Americans deserve to live in safety,” said Attorney General William P. Barr. “And while nationwide violent crime rates are down, many cities continue to see levels of extraordinary violence. Operation Relentless Pursuit seeks to ensure that no American city is excluded from the peace and security felt by the majority of Americans, while also supporting those who serve and protect in these communities with the resources, training, and equipment they need to stay safe.”
As part of the operation, The Justice Department pledged to increase the number of federal officers in each of the targeted cities, along with financial commitments of up to $71 million. Those funds could be used for funding task forces, hiring new officers, paying overtime and buying new equipment.
While the operation acknowledges danger in these cities, Barr praised Craig’s work in Detroit and the efforts that have gone into lowering violent crime in the city. During the press conference, Craig said violence in the city has dropped 14% from 2014 to 2018 and the AP reports the city had the fewest reported murders in 2018 -- 260 -- than it had in the last 50 years.
Although he’s pleased crime is dropping in the city, Craig said he’s not satisfied with the results just yet.
“I’m not going to sit here and wave a flag of success,” Craig said. “We know there is more work to do.”
