CENTRALIA, IL — In a joint operation Tuesday, state, local and federal law enforcement arrested 25 individuals in Centralia as part of a Violent Crime Suppression Detail.

According to Centralia Police Chief Greg Dodson, the detail was made possible by their partnership with the U. S. Attorney’s Office, United States Marshall Service, Illinois State Police FBI Task Force and other local departments. Around 6 o’clock Tuesday morning, over 40 Officers from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office; Salem Wamac, and Central City police departments, Clinton County, and Fayette County sheriff’s offices along with the Centralia Police Department participated in a joint operation designated as Operation Flip-Flop by the U.S. Marshall’s Service.  

Other agencies who participated in the Violent Crime Suppression Detail in the City of Centralia were the ATF, Illinois State Police, Investigators from the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force, FBI agents from the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and FBI TOC West Task Force.

The objective of the detail was to target gang crime activity, violent offenders and narcotic trafficking. A detail of over 40 State and Federal Officers worked together with local agencies to conduct the operation. Over 25 subjects were arrested on outstanding warrants and a variety of new charges. Details on the names and charges will be released at a later time once the appropriate prosecuting agencies have made charging determinations.

Dodson says this kind of partnership, with state, federal and local agencies all working together is key to the long term goals of reducing crime and improving the quality of life for the citizens of our four county area.