The FBI’s Pittsburgh field office has formed a task force to address violent crime in Western Pennsylvania, including Butler County.

In many communities surrounding Pittsburgh there is more violent crime per capita than Philadelphia, according to a news release.

The task force’s initial focus is on Beaver and Allegheny counties, but FBI officials are looking to partner with law enforcement in Butler County, public affairs specialist Catherine Policicchio said Monday.

The task force is looking to address recent trends in the region including an increase in bank robberies, kidnappings, murders for hire and homicides. Participating law enforcement agencies will get overtime pay and equipment, according to the release.

On Friday, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the creation of the Pittsburgh task force and another one in Charlotte, N.C.

A full story appears in Tuesday's Butler Eagle.