ROCKFORD – Rockford’s police chief says the northern Illinois city is seeing less gun violence now that Rockford increased police patrols and added officers to its gang unit.

The Rockford Register Star reports that stats released this week show confirmed incidents involving gunfire in Rockford were down slightly in May compared to April, but gunfire incidents are still up 15 percent over May 2011.

But authorities say Rockford has seen only four homicides so far this year. That’s down from 11 at this time last year.

Police Chief Chet Epperson ordered new foot patrols in high-crime areas, more checks on parolees and a beefed-up gang unit. He says they’ve found that redeploying police resources can make an impact.