Akron officials are hoping a new centralized intelligence network will help law enforcement solve gun crimes more quickly.

The new Crime Gun Intelligence Center will help police departments in Summit County and surrounding areas more quickly track weapons and solve crimes, officials announced in a news conference Thursday.

Mayor Shammas Malik and Akron Police Chief Brian Harding announced the opening alongside federal and state officials, including Acting Special Agent in Charge John Smerglia of the Columbus division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

“Today, local, state and federal partners took a concrete action to make our community safer, to make Akron safer, to make our surrounding municipalities and counties safer,” Malik said during the news conference.

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