An unsettling increase in violent crime in Ohio has meant more work for those who aid law enforcement in tackling such investigations, and state Attorney General Dave Yost is looking for help.

“Our folks are kind of running ragged, frankly,” Yost told another media outlet. “Let’s skip the COVID year, we are way up over ’20. Let’s look at the last non-COVID year, 2019, our request for assistance through the first four months of the year is up over 50%. The number of homicide investigations has quadrupled …”

In addition, the number of sexual assault cases is up 33%.

Just last weekend, for example, the Cleveland area was plagued by violence. More than a dozen people were shot and wounded during gatherings at two separate residences. In addition, three other individuals were killed in separate homicides.

And in Cincinnati, two women are facing charges after they allegedly fired shots at homeless people with a BB gun. Surveillance footage shows a car pulling up to a group of people lying on the sidewalk, its occupants firing shots. The vehicle pulled away then reversed before more shots were fired.

Yost has asked lawmakers for funding to hire agents and add other resources.

In the meantime, lawmakers might also want to reserve a little money for taking a look at why there has been such an increase in violent crimes.

A first step is to provide more assistance. But that must be followed closely by an effort to understand what is creating such a burden.