Northampton County District Attorney Terry Houck announced Jan. 26 the creation of a Major Crimes Task Force, a promise made during his campaign for office. Media were invited to the county courthouse for the event.

The unit will operate under the DA to direct investigations involving homicides, gun violence, gang activity and other catastrophic and complex crimes Houck said are rare in the Lehigh Valley.

The task force consists of specialists and experts from seven participating departments but is not a permanent operational group, and will only be called to action in those exigent circumstances if the DA considers it necessary. The 42 group members will meet regularly for coordination and training discussions and will be provided a work space by the county, but will otherwise remain in their regular duties.

Houck said $10,000 has been earmarked to support the program.

The task force was not in response to a specific incident, but the preponderance of major crimes nationwide. If a tragedy does occur, Houck said, “Are we going to be ready for this?

“I hope we never have to activate it.”

See photo on A3