HOUSTON – Federal, state and local law enforcement agencies stood together Thursday and promised that violent criminals will be tracked down and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez was joined by officials from the FBI, Houston police, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office for a news conference. Each agency present said they will work together to combat an increase in violent crimes in the Houston area.

As part of the initiative, Martinez said, federal agencies will help train state and local law enforcement on how to bring the most serious cases to bear against those connected to violent crimes.

Martinez said all of the agencies will share information to help them more quickly track down and arrest those connected to crimes like armed robberies and shootings.

Houston police Chief Art Acevedo said criminals need to know there will be no more “slaps on the wrist” in Harris County.

“We’re going after the worst of the worst,” Acevedo said.

A spokesman for the FBI said the agency will surge its resources to help with the violent crime initiative.

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