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Omaha police announce plan to combat gang violence

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Omaha Police Department is sharing its plans to combat an increasing number of gang-related shootings in the city.

Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer and Mayor Jean Stothert spoke Monday about what's driving violent crime and how they're going to stop it. Although Omaha has less violent crime than it did four to eight years ago, Schmaderer and Stothert say gang and gun violence caused it to increase in January, May and June.

The Police Department has asked Nebraska State Patrol to help it patrol areas that have seen the most gang violence. Schmaderer says the joint patrolling effort will allow officers to arrest more violent gang members.

He says about 11 gangs are responsible for most of the violent crimes in Omaha.

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