June 11, 2008

Virginia streets are much safer after a week-long fugitive apprehension effort last week. Federal, state and local law enforcement joined forces resulting in over 40 arrests in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

In addition to those arrested, 55 felony warrants were also served.

Operation Falcon is cleaning up our streets.

“It affected this community and communities throughout the country,” said Tim Longo, Police Chief, Charlottesville Police Department.

Together the U.S. Marshal Service, state and local law enforcement have put over 40 local fugitives behind bars.

“It's not a matter of finding them it's having the capacity to be able to serve that many warrants,” said Longo.

Charlottesville's Police Chief says the department knows the fugitives are out there, but it's not always easy to catch them.

“We're a finite number of resources not only in this police department but in this region. You have to prioritize and manage the resources the best you can,” said Longo.

Because of additional law enforcement there are more resources to help get fugitives off the streets.

“To bring that level of energy in and focus on this community I think goes a long way. In ensuring that these people that are skirting justice are now not only on the radar, but in custody,” said Longo.

Participating law enforcement agencies were encouraged to identify wanted persons within their communities. Those on the wanted list were then targeted by assigned arrest teams.

Statewide Operation Falcon has arrested over 600 fugitives and served over 900 warrants.