Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/215277
Sarasota News Leader November 22, 2013 Page 81 Sheriff's Office and the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the release points out. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Bini. It is another case under the aegis of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Neighborhoods program — a nationwide gun-violence reduction strategy, the release points out. Acting U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley III, along with ATF Special Agent in Charge Julie Leon, is coordinating the Project Safe Neighborhoods effort in the Middle District of Florida in cooperation with federal, state and local law enforcement officials, the release says. Mark Finehout/Contributed photo OPERATION SAFE FAMILIES RESULTED IN 5,544 ARRESTS The Florida Sheriffs Task Force (FSTF) has announced that 5,544 arrests were made during Operation Safe Families, the latest initiative aimed at protecting youth and families in Florida. behavior that harms the growth and development of the next generation — our children," he added. "While the formal task force known as Operation Safe Families has ended, citizens should rest assured knowing that no matter what day it is, the sheriffs of Florida will con"The four-week-long operation targeted tinue working to combat domestic violence." individuals with outstanding warrants for domestic violence and writs of bodily attach- The start of Operation Safe Families coinments for non-support, which are used to cided with the National Family Violence bring in individuals who have failed to pay Apprehension Detail initiative, a one-day child support," a news release says. The oper- national effort to serve outstanding family ation was conducted from Oct. 13 through violence warrants; it was coordinated by the Nov. 9. Clackamas County Sheriff's Office in Oregon, the release explains. "Operation Safe Families "Domestic violence impacts the lives of targeted those who endangered the lives of countless families and innocent children," their children and families here in Florida," said FSTF Chairman and Pinellas County the release adds. Sheriff Bob Gualteri in the release. "Besides the immediate physical pain and emotional The operation produced the following results: trauma often caused by domestic violence, • 2,587 arrests for domestic violence. I am gravely concerned about this cyclical