Agencies Combine Efforts

Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies plan to work together in an effort to curb violent crime in the Escambia County area. Representatives from the respective agencies announced their intentions this afternoon at a press conference.

“Cooperation between the agencies is what will make this operation work,” said State Attorney Bill Eddins.

Eddins was joined at the press conference by Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan and Pensacola Police Chief Chip Simmons. Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward and a representative from the FBI were there as well.

Hayward said that “the public’s safety is our number one concern and top priority.” Morgan explained that “criminals are no respecter of boundaries, anywhere.”

The coordination will allow the agencies to share information and resources. Both the sheriff’s office and police department are dedicating full time employees to work on the effort.

Officials said that the concerted effort was needed to address gun violence.

“People that have no record tell you they have a gun on them for protection, which is a sad, sad commentary on the society in which we live,” said Eddins. “Guns are just everywhere. It’s just unbelievable to me the amount of guns that are around.”