Jackson's high-profile public safety plan involves reviving the police department's gang unit and enhancing the department's focus on seizing illegal guns, among other initiatives. The initiative appears to enjoy widespread support among residents fed up with street crime and violence. However there are critics:
Steve Loomis: At the end of the day, it's smoke and mirrors. This is politics.
That's Steve Loomis, president of the Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association, speaking on 90.3's the Sound of Ideas. Loomis says residents aren't likely to see any change in how their neighborhoods are policed. And, he charges, the mayor's tough talk about getting more aggressive with criminals hasn't been followed up with any kind of preparation for officers.
Steve Loomis: No, nothing. I have received nothing.
Public Safety Director Martin Flask, dismisses any concerns about preparation. Reached at his office, he said he is confident the police force is ready to do its job.
Martin Flask: I think this city has spoken very loudly and very clearly to those of us in city government, in the administration and to the chief of police that they expect more enforcement, they expect individuals who are carrying guns illegally in this community will be taken off the off the street, and that's what we're committed to doing.
Gretchen Cuda, 90.3.