Fighting violent crime still a priority, FBI says

Faced with criticism over its budget priorities, the FBI says it remains committed to fighting violent crime on a local level.

"Some people think because we've put so much into our terrorism intelligence and counterintelligence that we're no longer in the violent crimes business," said FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Tim Fuhrman.

The head of the Salt Lake City FBI field office made the rounds with local news media on Wednesday to reaffirm his office's efforts to address violent crimes in Utah. In an interview with the Deseret Morning News, Fuhrman acknowledged resources have been moved around but said his office is working more with local authorities.

"We're still in the business. It's just maybe a little bit different way of doing business," he said.

The FBI's most recent crime reports show an increase in violent crime across the nation. Fuhrman said his office has been working successfully with local police agencies. He cited the recent prosecution of street gangs under federal, mafia-style RICO charges as a success story.

"We try and treat gangs the same way we're going to treat any organized crime group," Fuhrman said, hinting at future cases involving Utah street gangs.

Changes in federal funding are uncertain, Fuhrman said. The Salt Lake City FBI office does not anticipate an increase in funding but will continue to work in task forces with local police. Fuhrman said they will also continue community outreach to prevent crime.

Police agencies nationwide are also asking for dollars. The International Association of Chiefs of Police is asking Congress to spend more on local police to fight violent crime.

"The FBI's crime report ... serves as a stark reminder of what happens when law enforcement agencies are stretched too thin: crime rates rise," IACP president Joseph Carter said in a statement sent to Congress in December.

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com