Police: Operation Impact working

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Mobile Police Department began Operation Impact last Thursday.

It’s a four phase operation to combat the use of illegal guns and drugs from Mobile’s streets. 

Phase one involves intense street sweeps identifying problem areas and violent hotspots.  The combined efforts of the Narcotics Unit, Intelligence Unit, MCSENT, Jaguar Unit and Tactical Response Unit, will create an increased police presence around these areas, residences and businesses.

Mobile Mayor Sam Jones said the program is working but it’s costly.

“We can expect to continue as long as we can afford it. It’s not inexpensive because it’s an operation that requires us to do substantial overtime since most of it is done in the late evening hours and some even after midnight but it is an effective operation,” Jones said.

Mobile police Chief Micheal Williams said police have arrested some individuals who have outstanding warrants and he is pleased with the operation.

“We gave warnings last week we would be out on the streets looking for guns and drugs, individuals who were violating the law. Some of those people arrested didn’t heed to that warning,” Williams said.  “We are coming for you. We are looking for people creating chaos and mayhem in our neighborhoods. We’re not going to tolerate it and were coming after those people. ”

Police said the first three days of Operation Impact have been successful with the arrest of 165 people resulting in 58 felonies, 243 misdemeanors and police have seized 18 guns.

FOX10 News wanted to dig deeper into those 165 arrests to find out how many people have been released from jail and are back on the streets. FOX10 News contacted Mobile police asking for the names of those arrested but they would not give us any information.