PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -
Portland police are beefing up their Gang Enforcement Team in a citywide effort to prevent gang violence this summer.
At a news conference Thursday, Chief Mike Reese and Mayor Sam Adams announced "Operation Safe Summer."
"Gun and gang violence in the city of Portland are too high," said Adams. "We all agree with that. But we also know it could be worse."
Fourteen officers, two detectives, one sergeant and one lieutenant will be temporarily reassigned to the Gang Enforcement Team so they can focus on violent hot spots around the city.
Reese said it's his top priority.
"I don't think there's anything more important for us to do this summer than keep kids safe," said Reese.
Portland police said they started noticing a spike in gang violence about three years ago.
Last year, the Gang Enforcement Team had responded to 36 gang shootings by June. This year, it's up to 57.
With kids having more free time and less structure in the summer, gang outreach volunteer John Campbell from the Connected program wants to remind parents that prevention starts at home.
"Question them about where they're going, who their friends are," said Campbell. "Call their friends' homes and establish a relationship so you can see if they have the same values you do as a parent."
"Operation Safe Summer" officially kicks off Thursday, June 21, and the extra officers will stay with the Gang Enforcement Team until Sept. 21.
Copyright 2012 KPTV (Meredith Corporation.) All rights reserved.
