Stockton has reached a record high in murders this year, and violent crime has skyrocketed.

The city has asked for outside help and help is on the way.

Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones has gone to the city council with some good news.

JONES: "I am pleased to announce the California Highway Patrol is coming in to assist us, we put in requests several months ago, we also have requests in with the state department of justice for assistance."

The U.S. Attorney General's office has also sent out a team to assess the situation.

Jones says overall crime is up just over 1 percent from last year, but murders and violent crime create a different picture.

JONES: "What is alarming is our violent crime rate right now which is up nearly 16 percent and of that violent crime what's alarming is the amount of shootings this year.

Jones said about three-fourths of the murders are gang-related.