Mpls. Police plot plan to stop summer shootings

City officials in Minneapolis are trying to suppress a surge of shootings on the city's north side with a summer crime fighting strategy.

Starting in June, teams of law enforcement officers will patrol neighborhoods that have seen the most violence. There have been more than 50 shootings on the north side since the beginning of the year, increase of nearly 38 percent over the same period in 2013, according to police statistics.

Residents will also see more officers patrolling on foot, on bicycles and on horseback this summer, Police Chief Janee Harteau said.

"You'll see maybe a Minneapolis officer with Metro Transit or Hennepin County Sheriff," Harteau said. "We're continuing to talk about how that looks. They will be assigned to work in our violent crime hotspots and respond to those shots fired calls."

Police officials also are calling for teams of clergy and community leaders to walk the streets to help calm tensions.

Bishop Richard Howell of Shiloh Temple Church said the faith community's outreach efforts have already begun.

"We are committed, for the faith community, to be out in the street as we started last night, to dispel commotion, fear and any kind of suspicion," Howell said. "It doesn't cost anything to shake a hand. Our job is to bring out engagement, community relations and be friends with one another."