Oct 20th, 2016
The city of Mobile has experienced a significant spike in violent crime during the month of October that has resulted in 10 homicides and numerous assaults involving firearms. As previously reported by the Department, 2016 has also experienced a disturbing trend resulting in 11 teenagers being the victims of homicide. Out of Mobile’s 33 homicides this year, 27 involved the use of a firearm.
In an effort to address the recent gun violence, Mobile Police Chief James Barber announced the Department has begun Directed Patrol Operations and will continue to deploy other intelligence-led tactics such as warrant service, safety check points, curfew enforcement, and probation checks – all part of Operation City H.E.A.T. (Heightened Enforcement and Apprehension Tactics).
“We as a community cannot allow the senseless and indiscriminate violent gun crimes to continue. The Mobile Police Department is committed to removing guns that are in the hands of our youth and others that are forbidden by law from carrying firearms,” said Mobile Police Chief James Barber.
Many of the firearms used in the city’s violent crimes were acquired through car break-ins. To date, 161 firearms have been taken in this manner.
Research has shown that 10 percent of a city’s geographical area can be responsible for up to 60–80 percent of all crimes committed. By utilizing intelligence-led police tactics, Operation City H.E.A.T. can have a significant impact on the overall violent crime rate in the city.
“We will rid our city of these illegal firearms and those that choose to carry them – street by street, block by block, and neighborhood by neighborhood – until our entire community is a safe place to live and work,” Barber added.
Mobile police would like to encourage citizens to call 911 should they see a juvenile with a gun and the non-emergency police phone number 251-208-7211 to report crimes in their area.
MOBILE POLICE DEPARTMENT