St. Petersburg Chief of Police Chuck Harmon will hold a press conference Thursday afternoon to announce the kick-off of a month-long initiative aimed at reducing the unlawful use or possession of firearms by criminals in St. Petersburg.

According to police spokesman Bill Proffitt, the department plans to use $47,000 in overtime funds from a Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) to help fund this project. 

Harmon, police said, has assembled a team of police officers who will work seven days a week to lead this new project.

Proffitt said that Harmon will also release data relevant to the use of firearms used in crimes committed (including firearms that are stolen or recovered) in the city of St. Petersburg and outline several components of this new initiative Thursday.

Mayor Bill Foster and Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri are also expected to speak at Thursday's press conference, which will be held at 3 p.m. in front of the St. Pete Police Headquarters.