Newark Steps Up Security To Battle Summertime Violence

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Newark is making plans to keep the city safe this summer.

Historically, when the mercury rises on the streets of Newark, so does violent crime, so this year Mayor Cory Booker is trying something different, 1010 WINS' Steve Sandberg reported.

The city is hiring civilians to secure the jails and answer 911 calls so nearly 200 uniformed police officers can be put back on patrol, targeting high crime areas overnight.

"Residents will literally see the difference of the increased patrols, especially during those hot summer nights where we've had challenges in the past," Booker said. "It's going to make a significant difference this summer in our fight on crime."

Police Director Samuel A. DeMaio said a curfew will be enforced from 10 p.m. on the weekdays and 11 p.m. on the weekends for anyone under 18 years old.

"There's a saying among parents and mothers everywhere that with respect to kids, nothing good happens after midnight," said Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray.

The city will also utilize a police helicopter equipped with infrared cameras to track large groups and drug activity.

"It'll be able to tell us where we have crowds, where we have different groups of people congregating and the officers can pop in and check on them and see what's going on," DeMaio said. "This summer we're going to be using the helicopter more proactively."

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