Mayor George Flaggs Jr. has a saying he often uses, “relationships matter.” Wednesday, the Vicksburg Police Department announced a very strong relationship.

In a brief statement from Police Chief Milton Moore, the department announced the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crimes Task Force is coming alongside local police to “combat violent crime.”

“The FBI Violent Crimes Task Force has partnered with members of the Vicksburg Police Department NET team to help combat violent crime in the City of Vicksburg,” Moore said in the release. “This partnership will help identify and prosecute those responsible for committing violent crime and illegal street gang activity.”

Moore said this partnership will provide the department “valuable resources” to aid in the prosecution and conviction of dangerous offenders.

“This is another asset that the Vicksburg Police Department will utilize to help keep the citizens in this community safe,” Moore said.

Flaggs praised Moore’s efforts in developing the partnership with the FBI.

“I want to congratulate Chief Moore on his partnership with the FBI Violent Crimes Taskforce to help prevent and solve crime in Vicksburg,” Flaggs said during Thursday’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. “Relationships to matter and I cannot think of anyone better to partner with than the FBI.’