200 Officers To Be Assigned to Gun Violence Task Force, Officials Say
(DNAINFO) Ben Fractenberg | January 12, 2016 — Officials announced a new program Tuesday aimed at reducing gun violence in the city through a dedicated police task force and a gun court.
The NYPD, federal prosecutors and city district attorneys will work together on Project Fast Track to more effectively investigate and prosecute shootings. The program will include assigning 200 officers to a new Gun Violence Suppression Division and creating a Brooklyn court dedicated to handling illegal firearm cases.
“The status quo that existed for too many years…the status quo allowed for divisions, allowed for turf wars and separation,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a press conference at City Hall Tuesday afternoon. “We are now taking another very big step in creating a common front against guns.”