The Passaic County Sheriff's Office is increasing its presence in Paterson, announcing the creation of a quality-of-life squad that’s meant to address community concerns.

The announcement comes as the city tries to get illegal guns off the streets.

At least 10 and up to 20 sheriff's officers are going to be stationed in Paterson. They'll be a part of a new team called the quality-of-life squad, cracking down on crime in Paterson.

Mayor Andre Sayegh says it's coming at a much-needed time. At a news conference, city leaders in said police officers are overburdened.

"Last night, they got an AK-47 on Mercer and Martin streets,” says Sayegh. “That makes it about 80 guns that we've gotten for 2022. Quite frankly, we're hemorrhaging, many of our officers are leaving to go to the suburbs for better pay."

That's why police officers from the sheriff's office are lending a helping hand by forming the new squad. Officers will be focusing on getting guns off the streets and combating violent crime, while also getting a handle on quality-of-life problems, things like loud music and motorcycles.

Sayegh says this is coming at a crucial time, because shootings usually go up during the summer.

“It's true. Our table of organization calls for 439 police officers, we're barely at 400,” says Sayegh. “So, we need relief. Our police are doing so much work seizing weapons, arresting violent criminals."

More relief will be coming Monday. The mayor says that's when 32 new city police officers will be hired.