Bridgeport police kicked off an anti-crime effort Monday called Operation Summer Breeze.

"Crime usually spikes during the hot days of summer due to a variety of factors including longer daylight hours and a greater number of people spending time outdoors," said Lt. Angelo Collazo.

"It's vitally important to meet people where they are and build community trust -- so folks know the officers in their neighborhood and think of interactions with them in a positive way," Collazo said.

Officer Marilyn Diaz said she welcomes the one-on-one interactions with the people she's charged with keeping safe.

"It's a totally different situation when you respond to a call and the people there know you," Diaz said.

"It's so important for the community to trust us -- and this is an incredibly effective way to make that happen," she said.

There will be an extra four to six officers walking the beat this summer, Collazo said.