Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn says the city will increase police patrols in response to a recent spike in violent crime.

McGinn told a news conference Monday that the increase in homicides and other violent crimes is a "public safety emergency." He says the city needs help from businesses and community members to keep the streets safe.

So far in 2012, nine people have been killed in Seattle.

Deputy Chief Nick Metz says officers will be hitting hotspots where violence has occurred. He says officers will be constitutional and ethical but also aggressive in fighting crime.