DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – More than 100 detectives with the Dallas Police Department donned their uniforms Saturday morning and walked the streets to meet residents as part of a new, hands-on initiative called Operation Heat Wave.

Officers are canvassing neighborhoods in hopes of building trust and gathering information about crime concerns in the area.

"We're meeting and greeting the folks who we service in this district," said Lieutenant Rick Rivas.

Rivas says it's a great way to get the community involved.

Operation Heat Wave is also a reminder to residents to be more vigilant in the summer months ahead, a time when police say crime tends to spike.

"During the summer months, criminal offenses increase. We're letting people know we're out and about," said Rivas.

During Saturday's operation in East Dallas, police took a woman into custody for allegedly growing marijuana in flowerpots on her balcony.

A neighbor alerted police and that's exactly what law enforcement want.

"We're looking for engagement with the community," Deputy Chief Mike Genovesi. "We want them to help us, help them."

For one resident and mother, who only wanted to be identified as Amanda, the police presence means a lot.

"I'm proud they are doing this. I'm glad they're here. I appreciate their service."