St. Pete Times reports local leaders in Pinellas County have announced a new partnership of the SPPD, Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and State Attorney’s Office to combat a recent spate of gun violence. The discussions began when an 8-year-old girl was gunned down in her home, caught in the crossfire of a gang feud.
Pensacola had a toddler killed in what appears a drug deal gone bad. Shootings have become a daily occurrence both inside and outside the city. Other than a few rallies and town hall meetings little is being done.
The Pinellas County effort is a task force composed of 15 law enforcement officers and three people from the prosecutor’s office, the Pinellas County Violent Crimes Task Force aims to decrease gun violence, round up those with outstanding warrants and increase ties and trust with the community.
St. Petersburg is dedicating six officers and a sergeant to the effort. The Sheriff’s Office has committed six deputies, a sergeant and a lieutenant.
What can we do here? Public safety and gun violence will be campaign issues in 2012 – both the sheriff, county commission and city council races.
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