Feds To Help Baltimore Police Following Deadliest Month In Decades

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- On the heels of another 11 shootings this weekend, Baltimore has a new plan to fight crime—a team of federal agents is moving in to help.

Christie Ileto has details of the local-federal partnership police are calling "B-Fed."

This puts federal agents inside the city's homicide unit, which means more eyes and more help to solve the growing number of murders.

For months, it's been the same response to surging violence. But on Monday,:

"Our answer this time—our federal law enforcement partners are sending us their special agents," said Interim Commissioner Kevin Davis, Baltimore Police Department.

Ten agents from the FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service and U.S. Marshal's Office are working shoulder to shoulder with city detectives over the next 60 days to rein in the source of the city's violence following the April riots.

"They bring not only their badge, they bring their knowledge, their know how and they bring all of the resources that come with that federal agency," said Maryland Senator Barbara Mikulski.

We've seen a deadly summer, with 42 killed in May, 45 in July--a total of 116 in three months.

Ileto: "Do you think the embedding of federal agents is going to be enough?"

"It's hard to say, but it's a good start," said Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings.

City and federal leaders are also begging residents to report whatever the crimes they see to police.

Reporter: "If you saw a crime, would you help the police solve it?"

Man: "No."

Reporter: "Really? Why?"

Man: "Because they're not going to help me."

The homicide rate stands at 36 percent, but residents say it's about trust that doesn't exist.

"We've seen how ya'all have treated us over the years, and now all of a sudden you want us to help you. And a lot of the people in the community aren't going to do it," said David Smith.

But Baltimore badges aren't sitting still, using this newest effort to slow the bloodshed.

Baltimore's had almost 200 homicides this year--that's up 57 percent from this time last year.

The police commissioner also attended a conference of police chiefs in Washington D.C. to discuss an increase in murders across the country and what can be done about it.