RACINE - Aldermen took steps Wednesday to address what they call a growing crime problem in the city.

"It's a result of the shooting last night," said Alderman David Maack. "In my district alone, there have been at least three attempted homicides as a result of gang violence over the last month and a half."

In a press release, Maack requested a Committee of the Whole meeting on violent crime. Independently, Alderman Q.A. Shakoor II requested a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss crime and violence.

The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 4 at City Hall, 730 Washington Ave. A Committee of the Whole meeting is a meeting of all Racine city aldermen.

"We cannot tolerate lead flying down the street," Shakoor said. "To address this issue, it's going to take a collaborative effort. The Police Department cannot do it alone, nor can city officials."

Shakoor said education combined with parent and home responsibility are key elements in fighting crime.

"We've got to get role models to step up to the plate," he said.

Maack received phone calls during the past month from constituents disturbed by drive-by shootings, he said.

"People should not feel afraid to travel in any part of our community," Maack said. "We have good, law-abiding residents being terrorized in their homes because of reckless behavior and criminal activities."

In an e-mail Wednesday, Maack asked for the creation of a Violent Crime Task Force that would meet weekly to assess the fight against crime. He requested a larger Police Department overtime budget and an expansion in community policing.

Maack also recommended Neighborhood Watch expansion, greater church involvement and more vigilance from residents including applying Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles. These principles help deter crime through designs such as well-lit storefronts.

Money for these endeavors would likely come from the city contingency fund, Maack said.