Federal and local officials came together Wednesday to address the recent and alarming spike in violent crimes.

The Eastern District of New York has expanded the rapid and strategic prosecution or RASP Initiative to identify individuals and organizations responsible for spikes in gun violence and conduct investigations.

The initiative will focus on hot spots, such as in Brooklyn, where violent crime has surged, to keep communities safe.

The strategies will include:

- Using data and analytics to identify trends and the drivers of gun violence

- Using federal firearms statutes to address gun violence

- Assembling a team of more than a dozen experienced assistant U.S. attorneys to lead the prosecutions, using three NYPD detectives to assist prosecutors

- Partnering with two special assistant US attorneys to facilitate the presentation of firearms and violence cases for prosecution in federal court