SHERIFF’S AND GUN VIOLENCE TASK FORCE

The sheriffs of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are saying their agencies will not participate in a new joint federal-city task force to combat gun violence in Pensacola. Last week, Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson asked U.S. Attorney Lawrence Keefe for federal help to address gun violence. Keefe agreed to help, and the joint task force is expected to include the Pensacola Police Department and various federal agencies. Escambia County Sheriff David Morgan said he was not consulted about Robinson’s plans to ask for a task force and did not see a need for his agency to participate. Santa Rosa County Sheriff Bob Johnson told the Pensacola News Journal that his county does not have a big gun problem.