HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – State Attorney Suzy Lopez is taking significant steps to address gun violence by expanding and restructuring its Gun Violence Unit (GVU).
The enhanced unit will focus on prosecuting gun-related offenses and targeting the community’s most violent offenders.
The expansion of the GVU will facilitate closer collaboration between prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, enabling them to effectively target repeat offenders responsible for gun violence in the community.
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Additionally, the restructured unit will comprise a team of five attorneys, including a Chief, Deputy Chief, and three Lead Trial Attorneys who will specialize exclusively in handling gun-related crimes.
“As prosecutors, our greatest responsibilities are to the victims of crimes and protecting public safety. We must use every tool we can to fight gun violence in our community. By expanding the Gun Violence Unit, my office will dedicate significant resources towards prosecuting these brutal crimes that tear families apart and terrorize our neighborhoods. Working hand-in-hand with law enforcement from the crime scene to the courtroom, assigning specialized, highly-trained prosecutors, and standing with victims gives us the best chance of holding gun violence offenders accountable,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
GVU prosecutors will actively respond to non-fatal gun-related incidents alongside law enforcement, arriving at the scene shortly after the crime occurs.
This immediate engagement allows them to gain valuable insights into the case at its earliest stages, fostering a deeper understanding of the events and contributing to a more comprehensive investigation. Prosecutors offer guidance and support to law enforcement partners, building strong relationships and facilitating the exchange of crucial information.
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They can also leverage legal tools such as investigative subpoenas and search warrants to assist in the investigative process. This collaborative approach enables the office to effectively track repeat offenders who continue to pose a threat to the community.
The Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office established a gun violence unit nearly 15 years ago through a partnership with Project Safe Neighborhoods.
The unit began with a single attorney but has grown significantly to include five dedicated attorneys, one investigator, and three legal aides collaborating to address this critical issue.
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