LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Louisville's mayor is sharing details of his plan of action to address what he called a "crime epidemic."
The city is experiencing a violent start to 2024. There have been 40 homicides this year, and March was the most violent month so far with 15 homicides.
In a weekly news conference, Mayor Craig Greenberg addressed the uptick of gun violence and his plan to combat it. First on his list is dealing the the shortage of Louisville Metro Police officers.
"We are working proactively. We're going to have an announcement later this week about a new contract with police officers that we hope will help recruit and retain more than 250 more officers that we need to focus on preventing violent crimes in the first place," Greenberg said.
The mayor said he is encouraged by the city's Group Violence Prevention Program, which was created in 2020. The program uses a strategic and collaborative approach to reduce gun violence.
Greenberg said that the city's long term solution to its violent crime epidemic is Universal Pre K. He introduced the "Thrive by 5 Louisville" last month. The plan created by childhood experts is designed to guarantee every three and four-year-old in Louisville has access to early learning.
Greenberg said research shows when kids start their education early they are 70 percent less likely to be arrested for a violent crime.
More area crime stories:
- Judge sets $75,000 bond for Louisville man charged with abusing 3-week-old infant
- Louisville authorities identify 29-year-old gunned down in Park Hill convenience store
- Louisville suffering from violent start to 2024 as March homicides double from a year ago
- State data reveals hit-and-runs involving pedestrians a persistent issue in Jefferson County
- 29-year-old Louisville man arrested, charged with killing woman near Valley Station
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