By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-920205.mp3
Buffalo, NY – A new city-wide Violent Crime Task Force will target the worst of the worst.
The City formed an alliance with several law enforcement agencies to reduce homicides and guns.
Buffalo Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda said the task force will provide a more focused approach to go after a certain "segment of the population."
"Again the worst of the worst with an emphasize on fire arms related crimes," said Derenda.
The Violent Crime Task Force will be housed at Buffalo Police Headquarters downtown. The FBI, U.S. Attorney, Erie County District, State Police, ATF, DEA and state Parole be part of the task force.
Mayor Byron Brown said the these law enforcement agencies will tackle the most violent criminals by combining resources.
"We will make the streets of this community, the city, but also the region safer," said Mayor Brown.
The task force is will be an intelligence-based unit and will work to hone in on parole violators, repeat offenders, guns, gangs and illegal drugs.
U.S. Attorney William Hochul will assist in the prosecution of the cases to keep violent criminals off the streets.
Hochul said his assistant attorneys will work with the Erie County District Attorney's office for prosectuion. "Determine who has the biggest bang for their buck. In other words, where can the longest prison sentence be obtained, and then we will act accordingly," said Hochul.
The City claims this new crime fighting tool was in the works well before the mass shootings in downtown Buffalo a week ago outside the City Grill. And in a new development, Commissioner Derenda was asked if he was aware of reports that off-duty police officers were hired for security at the City Grill the night of the violent shootings. "We have that information and we are looking into it at this point. But I can't comment right now any further on that," said Derenda.
Police continue searching for a gunman. Derenda said the investigation is progressing very well, but would not elaborate.