BALTIMORE (AP) — Following a particularly violent week that saw eight people shot in 24 hours, Baltimore Police Commissioner Anthony Batts says he is working with local and state law enforcers to increase safety measures over Memorial Day weekend.

Batts said Friday he is erasing the border lines between Baltimore and neighboring counties to combat the threat of violent crime in the Baltimore area. Batts also said in anticipation of the holiday, Baltimore police officers this week executed search warrants for violent repeat offenders.

Batts says police are trying to eliminate any issues going into the weekend.

Maryland State Police Capt. Scott Lowman said Friday the agency will deploy additional troopers to monitor distracted, aggressive and drunken driving.

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