McGinn says he has plans to curb downtown crime, violence

SEATTLE -- With the shooting of a Metro bus driver Monday morning and other crimes in the downtown area, city leaders are working to develop a plan to make the city safer -- and put residents'minds at ease.

Mayor Mike McGinn said Thursday he is coming up with plans to step things up. To do this, they are earmarking more money -- and putting more police on the streets.

The mayor is dipping into the budget to increase patrols around hot spots in the city, but there are some who say that doesn't go far enough to stop the problem. In response, McGinn said he believes this latest plan will help reduce violent crime in Seattle.

One area of the city that has seen a lot of crime is Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill -- especially at night -- so the mayor also announced that starting Thursday evening, the park's lights will remain on 24 hours a day.