Florence County Violent Crimes Task Force receives national award and celebrates second anniversary

FLORENCE COUNTY, SC (WMBF) – The Florence County Violent Crimes Task Force was honored as the Street Level Interdiction Team of the Year this week at a conference in Anaheim, California.

The group beat other teams from across the United States and Canada.

In addition to the award, the task force will also celebrate its second anniversary in August. Major Mike Nunn of the Florence County Sheriff's Office tells WMBF News that the last two years have been successful.

“The presence of police forces influences behavior. That's why it's important that we have a visible presence in the neighborhoods through the blue light function and show the public that we are there,” said Nunn.

The task force, made up of officers from the City of Florence Police Department and the Florence County Sheriff's Office, works to get guns and drugs off the streets and assist with crime cases.

“We believe we are making a difference in these communities and we have had really positive feedback from the community,” Nunn said. “They appreciate us being there. They don't want these guns, drugs and fugitives on their streets either.”

Nunn said he believes crime rates have dropped due to the task force's presence in the community.

Nevertheless, the group has been busy: this year alone, it arrested 43 fugitives, investigated 189 criminal cases, and seized 54 weapons and just over $18,000.

Nunn added that police will continue to patrol high-crime areas and will also follow up on tips from the public.

“Everyone wants the same thing, everyone wants to live in a safe community and we are trying to make that possible for all citizens of Florence County,” Nunn said.

Nunn also said the sheriff's office received additional honors this week that will be announced soon.

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