By Joanna Putman
Police1
MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis police are seeking additional support following a violent and deadly weekend that left two men dead from shootings, one man dead from a stabbing and seven others injured by gunfire, CBS News reported.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara addressed the situation during a news conference on July 28.
“This weekend we’ve seen an unacceptable level of crime and violence.”
In response, O’Hara called an emergency command staff meeting, invited outside law enforcement partners and implemented a multi-jurisdictional plan to address the surge in violence, according to the report.
“It’s incredibly important that we continue to push for staffing the police department so we’re able to prevent some of these incidents better, but if nothing else certainly, respond to and investigate them thoroughly,” O’Hara stated.
To bolster efforts, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension will assist with patrols and investigations. Community groups and violence interrupters will also be active on the streets, according to the report.
Earlier this month, the city approved a new police contract, which includes a nearly 22% pay increase over three years for officers, with rookie officers set to earn more than $90,000 annually, according to the report.
“Thanks to our partners, I’m confident we’ll be able to track down and hold those responsible and end this spike in violence,” O’Hara said.