HARRISBURG – Attorney General Tom Corbett outlined his agenda for a second term as the state’s top law enforcement officer. At a Harrisburg news conference Corbett discussed going after violent drug gangs, educating our senior citizens about senior scams, continuing the bonus investigation in Harrisburg and targeting child predators.
Corbett, who received more than 2.9 million votes on Tuesday to win a second four-year term as Attorney General said that his narcotics agents will more aggressively investigate violent drug gangs, many of which are coming from outside of Pennsylvania and moving into our smaller communities.
Additionally, on the drug front, Corbett said that he will expand investigations where drug organizations have adversely impacted the quality of life and economic vitality of small and medium-size cities in Pennsylvania.
Corbett said that he will continue to protect our senior citizens by expanding the education component of the Elder Abuse Unit. He noted that in an economic down turn, scams directed at the elderly grow substantially.
Regarding the bonus investigation in Harrisburg, Corbett said that all four caucuses, including both Republicans and Democrats, are the focus of a continuing investigation. He noted that the agents and prosecutors in the Public Corruption Unit have devoted an enormous amount of time and recourses to the investigation and that they will leave no stone unturned.
Corbett also said that he will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute child predators. He said that 175 child predators have been arrested since he took office and created the Child Predator Unit. He noted that over the past year his Child Predator agents have averaged more than one arrest per week.
In an effort to protect our children from child predators, Corbett said he will expand the Operation Safe Surf program, an interactive education program that he developed. Safe Surf has been presented to more than 1,400 schools, churches and community groups across the state.
Corbett also said he will discuss with the legislature expanding the highly successful Philadelphia Gun Violence Task Force program to other cities in Pennsylvania. The Gun Violence Task Force was formed by Corbett’s office and works in conjunction with the Philadelphia Police Department and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office.
Since its inception two years ago, the Philadelphia Gun Violence Task Force has made more than 200 arrests, seized more than 400 weapons and has initiated more than 700 investigations.
Corbett thanked the people of Pennsylvania for having the confidence in him to serve another four-year term.
