January 4, 2008: Morris County Prosecutor Robert A. Bianchi, Esq., and Morris County Sheriff Edward V. Rochford announce the merger of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office Fugitive Unit with the Morris County Sheriff's Office Warrant Squad.

The Task Force, which will be known as the Morris County Fugitive Task Force, will be comprised of five members of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and nine members of the Morris County Sheriff's Office. The Task Force will combine to manage a total of 2097 current outstanding warrants.

In a joint statement released today, Prosecutor Bianchi and Sheriff Rochford stated:

"This pilot program will allow for the combination of shared resources and will lead to taxpayer savings, more efficient work product, and the ability to take advantage of the strengths of each agency. Additionally, it will allow for a more comprehensive utilization of resources which will allow us to avoid overlap and duplication and will provide for significant and vital sharing of information."

In addition, the Task Force will join forces with the United States Marshals Service New York / New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. This will foster an environment of cooperation and connectivity within Federal Law Enforcement which ultimately will bring a greater level of resources and services to Morris County.

The Fugitive Task Force will also be playing a key role in joining forces with the newly implemented Intelligence Crime Task Force.

Prosecutor Bianchi and Sheriff Rochford stressed that the ultimate goal of both agencies is to serve the public.

"We are breaking down barriers and sharing resources. We are serving the taxpayers and it is incumbent upon us to do that in the most efficient manner possible."

Media Contact: Agent Robyn D'Onofrio