Hillsborough sheriff's department launches a new task force to curb gun violence

HILLSBOROUGH CO, FLA. — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office launched a new task force to combat gun violence in the area.

The task force is called “gunfire response investigations team,” or GRIT. It is comprised of four deputies, four detectives, and a supervising sergeant.

“I believe this new centralized and proactive approach will curb gun violence and save lives,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.

This move comes as gun violence is on the rise in the Tampa Bay area, and across the country.

“Overall, [the] number of shootings that have killed or injured at least one individual exceeds the first six months of 2020 which finished as the deadliest year of gun violence in the past two decades,” said Chronister.