Martinez: Senate Committee Approves $10 Million for U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force

Press Release

MARTINEZ: SENATE COMMITTEE APPROVES $10 MILLION FOR U.S. MARSHALS REGIONAL FUGITIVE TASK FORCE

U.S. Senator Mel Martinez (R-FL) this week announced the FY 2009 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill will include $10 million to expand the U.S. Marshals Service's Regional Fugitive Task Force. Senator Martinez has been instrumental in bringing a Task Force program to Florida.

"The Regional Fugitive Task Force is a program that works with local law enforcement to take the worst of the worst criminal offenders off the street. Florida is experiencing an increase in violent crime and this program is a priority," said Martinez who last year secured $2.8 million to create a Florida-specific task force. "This additional $10 million will help to expand the task force's presence in Florida."

There are several Regional Fugitive Task Force programs around the country and they are charged with targeting and apprehending violent criminals, gang members, and child predators. They work in concert with local, state and federal agencies and last year closed more than 22,000 felony warrants across the nation.

The funding has passed the Appropriations Committee and the measure now moves to the Senate floor for consideration.

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