A gun violence prevention program has reached a milestone by marking a decade of arrests and keeping Brevard County streets safer.
"We could actually target those offenders who were preying on our citizens in Brevard County," said Phil Archer, 18th Judicial Circuit State Attorney.
Archer is talking about Operation Ceasefire, a program which got rolling in 2004, bringing together local, state and federal authorities to seek out criminals using firearms during their crimes.
The result is a decade of undercover operations tracking down suspects like Jason Carlyle, who was caught on undercover video during a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives sting in a Brevard County parking lot.
Behind the camera was ATF Agent Scott Perala, who was making a gun deal with Carlyle.
The agent was in a dangerous situation to record the transaction, sitting at the wheel of a car as the suspect leaned into the window.
The exchange was made, including a bag of crack cocaine. Soon after, an arrest was made.
Carlyle was sentenced last week to 22 years in prison.
Officers said the federal partnership gives them the option to pursue federal or state charges -- whichever is stronger.
"We discuss each gun crime, perhaps it should be issued to federal court for federal prosecution, which sometimes can have enhanced penalties over the state of Florida," Perala said.
Prosecutors said word has certainly hit the streets about the initiative.
Suspects have even asked if they are facing federal charges at the time of their arrest.
"Sometimes, that was the first thing out of their mouth, 'You aren't taking me in under that federal program, are you?'" Archer said.
The task force has met every week for the past 10 years to share information that has led to hundreds of gun-related arrests.