Using tougher policing tactics to crack down on gun violence in the City of Rochester is the focus of this year's Operation Cool Down.
Rochester's Mayor and Police Chief James Sheppard discussed some of the initiative's details and improvements on Tuesday. They include increased rolling task force patrols, Traffic Safety and DWI check point stops, personal and community outreach and continued house party details.
Chief Sheppard says officers will be more aggressive than this past year.
"I think our efforts are really geared towards making those who really chose to carry guns on the streets of Rochester to be uncomfortable in terms of how they go about their business. We want them to be in fear and not the regular citizens be in fear of them."
With stepped up policing efforts, Sheppard says he will "carry the weight" of potential racial profiling complaints due to the police department's aggressive approach.
Sheppard says the difference between last year's Operation Cool Down and this year is that the violence was more gang related. This time, Sheppard says, it's a combination of groups in dispute and individuals engaged in gun violence.
The city plans to use $300,000 of its 2012-2013 surplus to pay for police overtime and other costs associated with Operation Cool Down.
Richards created Operation Cool Down last year to enable police to take a more proactive role in keeping neighborhoods and citizens safe during the warmer months.