CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Chicago police are beefing up their presence on the streets over the Labor Day weekend.
Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson said it begins with deployment of a 10000 extra uniformed officers each night of the holiday weekend.
"These increased resources will include additonal task teams that will support existing neighborhood patrols," Johnson said.
Johnson also said there will also be undercover officers, as well as members of federal task forces working with Chicago police to reduce gun violence across the city.
He said officers will focus on parks, the lakefront, Michigan Avenue and anywhere large groups are expected.
Johnson also said the Chicago Police Marine Unit will be fully staffed to respond to any emergencies on Lake Michigan.
In recent days, Chicago police rounded up 171 people on assorted drug-related charges, he said. Many of those people are known gang members and have been charged in the past with gun offenses. Johnson said the roundup should help reduce incidences of violence in the city over the holiday weekend.
