Youngkin says extra state police patrols will be ‘surging’ in Richmond
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Gov. Glenn Youngkin said that the Virginia State Police will be "surging into Richmond" as part of Operation Safe Summer and Operation Bold Blue Line this summer.
On Wednesday, July 2, Youngkin told reporters this will occur between 3 p.m. and 1 a.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays and from5 p.m. to 3 a.m., on Fridays and Saturdays. Youngkin said "we will be 'surging in' state police as part of our OBL partnership in the City of Richmond."
"This is a time where we see more violence in the summer," the Governor said.
"Operation Safe Summer," which has officially launched as of June 2, is described as a “comprehensive approach” to ensuring a safer Richmond throughout the summertime. It will continue through early September.
This is a city-wide strategy that sees Richmond Police investing in and distributing gun safes, as they work with local government agencies, state police, federal law enforcement and more.
On July 31, 2023, the governor's office announced the results from partnerships with state police and local law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth have "been strengthened through Operation Bold Blue Line."
Since Dec. 15, 2022, partnerships between state police and local law enforcement has resulted in the following:
- Seizure of 2,060 pounds of illegal narcotics, valued on the street at more than $31 million, including almost 47 pounds of deadly fentanyl.
- More than $2.7 million in currency tied to illicit activity has been seized.
- 857 felony arrests and 721 misdemeanor arrests have also been made.
“These results show progress on our collective efforts to support law enforcement, crack down on illegal drugs, enforce tougher penalties for violent criminals and ensure safer communities across the Commonwealth," Youngkin stated alongside the announcement of the results.
