FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): A new offensive in the war on violent crime.

The City of Fort Wayne is ramping up efforts to fight a spike in violent crime. This morning, Fort Wayne Police officially unveiled their new Gang Violence and Violent Crime Unit.

The task force will include 15 city officers and another trooper from the Indiana State Police. One function of the team is to focus on known offenders. Officials say they are going to use data they have better and develop better strategies to snuff out shootings, robberies and muggings.

Officials say they have strengthened their relationships with state and federal agencies to increase the scope of offenses that can be prosecuted. By adding federal agencies such as the FBI, Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the U.S. Marshal Services they have they have increased jurisdiction.

Police Spokesman Mike Joyner says, in most cases they know the offenders, this now gives them more “bite” to go after them and bring them to justice.