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WARREN -- The Federal Bureau of Investigation is expanding the reach of its Mahoning Valley Violent Crime Task Force into Trumbull County with a new partnership with the Trumbull County Sheriff's Office.
"The FBI is pleased to partner with the Warren Police Department and Trumbull County Sheriff's Office by expanding our Mahoning Valley Violent Crime Task Force in Trumbull County. The MVVCTF is an FBI task force consisting of federal, state and local law enforcement investigators working criminal matters involving gangs, drugs, violent felonies, bank robberies, etc.," said Special Agent Vicki Anderson.
The FBI will help pay for overtime the deputies accrue while working full-time for the task force, states the agreement approved by Sheriff Paul Monroe, the FBI and Trumbull County commissioners.
The FBI will have office space at the sheriff's office, which will forge a strong relationship with the agency, Monroe said.
Last year, Monroe said he met with agents about increasing the FBI's presence in Trumbull County and this year, they reached a deal.
"The FBI has access to the latest in investigative techniques and technology. Working cooperatively together, this partnership will be an investment in the future," Monroe said.
Working in close proximity will be beneficial not just to the FBI, but should help the office access resources for other investigations, too, Monroe said. And the FBI's agents may benefit from working directly in Trumbull County, Monroe said.
"When agencies collaborate, the benefits go two ways," Monroe said.
Tips about violent crimes and gang and drug activities can be reported to the Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force's tipline at 330-333-1TIP (1847).
Other members of the task force include the Mahoning County Sheriff's Department and police departments in Youngstown, Boardman, Campbell and Canfield.