HALIFAX - A former police officer who wants to become the mayor of Halifax says the city has an unacceptably high number of unsolved murders.

Tom Martin issued a statement Thursday saying the number of unsolved homicides has jumped from 25 to 57 in the past six years.

Martin says he has an innovative approach to the problem that involves a seven-step action plan.

He says the city doesn't need expensive and time-consuming studies to figure out what to do about violent crime.

Born in Halifax, Martin is now a farmer in a rural corner of the municipality.

The Halifax Regional Police website shows 57 unsolved homicides dating back to 1955.