Federal, State, and Local Agencies Launch Catawba Valley Violent Crime Task Force

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have joined forces to form the Catawba Valley Violent Crime Task Force, aimed at targeting violent offenders and preventing crime in Catawba County.

The initiative brings together the FBI Charlotte, Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, Hickory Police Department, Maiden Police Department, Newton Police Department, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Officials say the task force will act as a “force multiplier,” combining resources and expertise to combat violent crime more effectively.

The task force will focus on disrupting significant violent crimes before they occur. Agents and detectives will also respond to and investigate cases with ties to gang activity, armed robberies, and drug trafficking.

All joint cases will be reviewed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina and the Catawba County District Attorney’s Office to ensure cases are prosecuted in the most appropriate venue for successful convictions.

Officials say the task force represents a unified effort to make the Catawba Valley safer for residents through proactive policing and coordinated investigations.