EAST ST. LOUIS - City officials today pledged to beef up anti-crime efforts to stem what Mayor Alvin Parks called a rising tide of violence.

At a news conference in his office, Parks said he and other officials were shocked by the fatal shootings of three women on Saturday and an accidental shooting that claimed another woman’s life on Monday. A man has been arrested and charged in the Saturday slayings.

“It takes a whole community to stem this rising tide of violence,” the mayor said. He said there are too many people carrying guns on the streets and too many people resorting to violence to settle differences.

Parks encouraged community members to attend a violence prevention forum scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 23 at New Horizons Community Church, 3315 Summit Avenue, and learn how they can help take a stand against violence.

Police Chief Lenzie Stewart said city police were pooling resources with county, state and federal law enforcement agencies to target areas of known drug activity and other high-crime areas.

Stewart said the city has had 27 homicides in 2009, compared to 17 by this date a year ago and 31 in 2007.

Assistant Police Chief Aubrey Keller said there would be increased saturation patrols throughout the city, targeting traffic violators and people carrying guns.

Parks said he wished the city could afford more than the 65 police officers it has but said the police department is “being very resourceful” and, with help from the other agencies, can boost crime prevention efforts.

The mayor acknowledged poverty and illicit drug activity as key factors in the city’s high crime rate. He said he’s working to “rebuild the community’s economic vitality” and hopes to soon be able to announce business projects that will bring new jobs to East St. Louis.

“The best social program is a job,” he said.