COLUMBUS, Ohio — Starting this week, the Columbus Division of Police will begin "Operation Safe Streets." The initiative will put extra police officers throughout the city on foot and bike patrol.
“It’s important to make sure we have officers out and visible addressing the needs of the community,” said Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant.
Bryant said this year the operation will focus on bars and restaurants after-hours.
10TV spoke to people in the Short North about their safety concerns.
“I was sleeping like a baby then I woke up at 2 a.m. to multiple gunshots, then I heard helicopters,” said a resident in the Short North.
Crime is at the top of a lot of people's minds this summer. After recent violence, people told us they are being a bit more careful.
“I definitely try to avoid High Street, especially on the weekends,” said a resident.
People say they want police to be more visible in busy areas.
“I’ve been to New Orleans once or twice. The officers are actually walking through the streets, and they have more of an effect than cruisers going through,” said a downtown resident.
Bryant said people will see more officers on foot patrol and bike patrol this summer.
Another concern from residents is youth violence. Police have made multiple arrests for crimes this year, a lot of those accused being teens.
Just this week, there have been two crimes in which police said teens were involved. One involved a stolen Kia crashing into a police cruiser, the other being shots fired at Easton Town Center. 10TV asked Bryant about what her department is doing to address youth crime.
“One of the things we are trying to do is have a bunch of different programs for our youth to be involved in. It’s going to take not just police but the entire city and community,” said Bryant.
Mayor Ginther said the city is investing significantly in youth programming, but he feels it will take more than the city to stop the issue.
“The chief and I can't raise your kids. We need parents to know where your kids are, who they are hanging out with, monitoring their social media. Do your part as parents,” said Ginther. “We think we are on the right path, but there’s always more we can be doing."