Gun Violence In NYPD's Sights, Mayor And Commissioner Say

NEW YORK CITY — Mayor Bill de Blasio unveiled a new anti-crime plan with a four-word goal: "End gun violence now."

The plan outlined by de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea on Friday will dovetail off recent community-focused efforts in response to a violent crime uptick.

They said NYPD officers will increase foot patrols in high shooting areas, particularly in the Brooklyn and the Bronx, among other investigatory and outreach steps.

"I am very confident we can turn this tide," Shea said.

The tide has swept up dozens of New Yorkers struck by bullets and cut short several lives, including 1-year-old Bed-Stuy toddler Davell Gardner.

It also comes amid continued protests over police violence and calls to fundamentally reshape the NYPD's role in the community.

De Blasio noted Friday marked the sixth year since Eric Garner's death during a NYPD chokehold. He emphasized that the "way forward" — a frequent refrain of his — requires reform and community members and police coming together in common cause.

The "End Gun Violence Plan" will work with previously-announced local efforts to "occupy" problem street corners and intervene in disputes before they turn violent, he said.

Shea didn't provide specific details, but said the NYPD side of the effort will include foot patrols, cameras and license plate readers.

The plan will shift detectives toward areas with shooting spikes, proactively deploy Community Affairs officers, organize gun buybacks and work with Cure Violence, according to a release.

"All of this is being done to really focus on that small number of people that frankly just don't get it," Shea said.

Both Shea and de Blasio called for the court system to begin regular operations, as well. Shea said it would restart prosecutions on illegal gun possession and help further cut down on violent crime.