Headed by the U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade, the Violent Crimes Task Force held the press conference to let the public know law enforcement isn't sitting idly by in the wake of the latest rash of violence in the city. (Photo by HB Meeks/Tell Us Detroit)

Federal, state and local law enforcement combat street gangs with violent crime initiatives

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) – Barbara L. McQuade, United States Attorney, along with other federal, state and local law enforcement officials, held a press conference Wednesday to discuss what law enforcement is doing to stem the tide of violent crime in the City of Detroit.

The U.S. Attorney was joined by Andrew G. Arena, FBI Special Agent in Charge, William Temple, Assistant Special ATF Agent in Charge, Robert Corso, DEA Special Agent in Charge, Inspector Darryl Hill, Michigan State Police, Chief Ralph Godbee, Detroit Police Department and John Broad, President, Crime Stoppers.

The Violent Crimes Task Force held the press conference to let the public know law enforcement isn't sitting idly by in the wake of the latest rash of violence in the city.

“I made it my personal resolution in 2012 to reduce homicides in the city of Detroit,” McQuade said at a press conference this afternoon, flanked by 15 uniformed federal, local and state police officials. “We will not allow Detroit to be defined by violence and homicides.”

The city's hot spot is the eastside where violent crime has gone up 75 percent. McQuade said, a significant amount of resources will be concentrated there. Prosecutors are looking to increase sentences for violent offenders, while police forces are planning more on-the-ground patrols in targeted areas to dismantle criminal enterprises.

Godbee, who also attended the press conference, said he’s grateful for the federal intervention. He noted the police department is disturbed and emotionally drained by all the violence – but far from buckling under.

“I don’t have the luxury of being over overwhelmed,” Godbee said, adding. “I don’t mind being held accountable.”

A 6-year-old boy was critically wounded Sunday night during an attempted carjacking. That shooting follows the Jan. 31 slaying of a 12-year-old girl and Feb. 20 shooting death of a 9-month-old boy. Shots were fired into both of their homes.

Last fall, federal officials announced stepped up prosecutions of gun crimes as part of a crackdown on violence across Detroit.

Andrew G. Arena, FBI Special Agent in Charge said, "Our job is to go in there and remove that cancerous tumor without damaging the community."