Over the past 10 years, the Stark County Sheriff’s Office has had the opportunity to be an integral part of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force, working in partnership with the U.S. Marshals Service. This collaboration has been instrumental in apprehending dangerous fugitives and making our communities safer.
The Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force was established with the aim of enhancing public safety by targeting and apprehending individuals wanted for violent crimes, including murder, robbery and sexual assault. It was formed in 2003 as a joint effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to combat violent fugitive activity.
I was proud to approve the Stark County Sheriff’s Office joining the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force in 2013. By becoming an active member, we have been able to allocate resources and expertise to the mission of tracking down and apprehending the most dangerous fugitives in the region.
Over the past 10 years, the collaboration has yielded remarkable results. Collectively, the task force has made approximately 2,500 arrests. These individuals were sought for serious offenses that posed significant risks to our communities, including 100 murder and 200 sexual offenses with about 200 firearms removed from neighborhood streets.
The significance of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force extends far beyond the numbers. Its impact can be seen in the tangible improvements to public safety across the region.
By swiftly apprehending violent offenders, the task force has played a crucial role in preventing further harm and providing a sense of security to residents. The collaborative efforts of the Stark County Sheriff’s Office and the task force have ensured that fugitives facing serious charges are brought to justice without delay.
By capturing these individuals promptly, victims and their families are provided with a measure of relief, knowing that those responsible for their suffering will be held accountable.
The participation of the Stark County Sheriff’s Office in the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force has also strengthened partnerships among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. This collaboration has fostered information sharing, joint operations,and a unified approach to addressing violent crime in our region.
The involvement of the Sheriff’s Office has been instrumental in building trust and confidence among the general public. By actively engaging in the pursuit of violent fugitives, law enforcement demonstrates its commitment to keeping communities safe, reinforcing the notion that justice will be served.
It is clear to me that this collaboration has been a resounding success. Through our combined efforts, dangerous fugitives have been apprehended, public safety has been enhanced, and justice has been served. The dedication and unwavering commitment of law enforcement personnel involved in this task force serve as a shining example of effective collaboration and community protection.
We are proud to serve you.
George Maier is the Stark County sheriff.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Sheriff George Maier lauds Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force