Central Alabama Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force Created

MONTGOMERY, AL—The Central Alabama Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force has been created to combat the increase in violence in Central Alabama, announced Chief Paul Register, Auburn Police Department; Chief Greg Benton, Dothan Police Department; Sheriff Bill Franklin, Elmore County Sheriff’s Office; Sheriff Andy Hughes, Houston County Sheriff’s Office; Director Christopher Murphy, Montgomery Department of Public Safety; Chief Kevin Murphy, Montgomery Police Department; Sheriff D.T. Marshall, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office; FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Richardson; and U.S. Attorney George L. Beck, Jr.

The Central Alabama Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force was created to identify, target, arrest, and convict criminals who commit drug trafficking, money laundering, alien smuggling, murder, aggravated assault, robbery, and other violent crimes. This Safe Streets Task Force will help federal, state, and local law enforcement combat violent crime by combining federal, state, and local resources and using these resources to most effectively investigate, arrest, and convict these dangerous criminals.

Each police department or sheriff’s office involved in the new Central Alabama Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force has assigned an experienced investigator to serve full time with the task force. The U.S. Department of Justice will provide funding to the task force for officer overtime, office space, vehicles, and other equipment necessary for the arrest and conviction of dangerous criminals. This Safe Streets Task Force is similar to those that have been established in Mobile, Birmingham, and Atlanta. Those with information on violent criminals and gangs should contact the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force members at the Montgomery and Dothan Offices of the FBI.