Fresno police say murders and shootings in the city have dropped 50% since a violence suppression task force was formed on October 6.

“There were 99 shootings in the City 30 days prior to the start of the gang operation,” says Deputy Chief Mark Salazar in a news release. “After four straight weeks of the gang operation, we have had 50 shootings.”

Murders have also declined by 50% during the gang operation, the release said, compared to the month prior to the gang operation. The Fresno Police Department said previously the operation will continue through the holidays.

Guns Confiscated and Gang Members Arrested

So far in the operation, 266 gang members have been arrested and 161 guns have been confiscated, Salazar noted.

“We are averaging over five guns a night taken off the streets by our MAGEC gang task force, Neighborhood Safety Teams, patrol officers, and Neighborhood Traffic Units,” said Salazar.

Community Cooperation Acknowledged

Police Chief Andy Hall said on Nov. 2 that community cooperation with law enforcement is helping to tamp down violence.

Two recent events — a community-organized City Hall rally and a “crime summit” at the fairgrounds — sought to open lines of communication among the police, political leaders and community members.

“I believe we are starting to see that cooperation,” said Hall. “But that only works when we’re part of the community. We need to continue moving forward with our community policing efforts.”