CLEVELAND — The city will soon have help fighting violent crime that has plagued its streets so far in 2023.

At a news conference Wednesday, Gov. Mike DeWine pledged support from state agencies such as the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and the Ohio Department of Youth Services to help the Cleveland Division of Police on what it called a sustained violence reduction initiative.

"To live in a neighborhood that is free of crime and free of violence, so that really is what this is all about," said DeWine.

DeWine was joined by Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, who said he is grateful for the partnership to keep Clevelanders safe.

One part of the initiative will focus on what the governor called "surge dates," which will be unannounced, where state agencies will provide extra resources and manpower to focus on criminal hot spots to both prevent and investigate violent crimes, such as homicides, assaults, and carjackings.

For instance, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and Ohio Department of Youth Services will make extra visits to parolees to look for anyone not following the conditions of their release.

Additionally, the Ohio State Highway Patrol will provide extra traffic enforcement, investigative support, and warrant sweeps. 

"The partnership with the Ohio Highway Patrol is going to go a long way to reduce violent crime in our city. We are also excited to be partnering with the U.S. Marshals Office and the County Sheriff's Office," said Bibb.

In a statement sent to news outlets after the announcement, Bibb said the initiative had already begun the day prior, and that Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers had made 57 traffic stops and 20 felony arrests, in addition to finding four stolen vehicles and seized illegal firearms and drugs. 

"We pledge that the state will stay involved. We will continue to do everything we can," said DeWine.