ST. LOUIS — For the first time since becoming police chief 18 months ago, John Hayden took to social media to weigh in on a spike in violence across the city, and urged repeal of the city’s residency requirement so his department can recruit more officers.

“We’ve had several violent weekends in a row, and this past weekend was no different,” Hayden said in a video the department posted on Facebook on Wednesday.

“It certainly seems that in recent weeks, on many days, we have gone from one shooting scene to the next,” he continued.

Over the past four days, St. Louis police have responded to 19 shootings resulting in 18 victims, including at least four murders, Hayden said. And while homicide numbers dipped last year, they’re up by six, or about 7%, this year over last, to 89, according to the department. Last year’s figures were 28 higher, or about 18% up, over 2014.