MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee's police chief said her department isn't just fighting crime, it's also fighting the perception that violence in the city is out of control.

Alderman Bob Donovan renewed his call last week for the National Guard "to help augment the efforts of the Milwaukee Police Department" because, he said, Milwaukee crime is too frequent and too brutal.

Milwaukee Police Chief Nan Hegerty argued, however, that the perception of a city under seige is simply not a reality.

"There is confusion in the community. People think that we're not doing the job we're supposed to be doing. And we are indeed doing the job," Hegerty said during a morning news conference, flanked by the most recent crime numbers.

Hegerty said felony drug charges are up from this time last year. Police have charged more prostitutes and more guns are off the streets. There have been 26 homicides in Milwaukee so far this year, compared to 22 by this date last year. The chief said arrests have been made in 85 percent of them and said that's a better percentage than most police departments about the same size.

"Last night, Milwaukee police were involved in a search warrant in which more than 50 guns were taken off the street," Hegerty told reporters.

The chief didn't provide robbery and assault numbers Thursday, but two weeks ago, she said they grew by 29 percent last year alone. This year, she said, the resources are better and the tactics are more aggressive.

"I'd like to make a prediction right now. And the prediction is that in 2007, you will see a reduction of violent crime in this city," Hegerty said.

Hegerty didn't provide specifics on how to make that prediction a reality, but said she'll release her summer crime-fighting plan over the next few weeks.