NCJ Number
236619
Date Published
June 2011
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This report presents the findings from the Arizona Statistical Analysis Center's 2010 survey of law enforcement officers in the State regarding gang and gang activity within their jurisdictions, with attention to Mohave County.
Abstract
Issues addressed in the survey were the presence of gangs in the jurisdictions, the level of gang activity, the involvement of gang members in crime and illegal drug distribution, the extent of cross-gang coordination, and law enforcement strategies that target gang members. Four of the five Mohave County law enforcement agencies that responded to the survey reported an active gang presence in their jurisdictions. Three of the agencies estimated that there were 700 active gang members across their jurisdictions. Two of the four agencies that reported a gang presence also indicated that gangs were expanding their membership and scope of activities in 2009. All of the agencies with a gang presence reported that gang activity had increased slightly during the previous 6 months, and three agencies reported that activity had increased slightly during the previous 12 months. Half of the responding agencies reported that gangs had a high level of involvement in the distribution of marijuana and methamphetamine. One agency reported high gang involvement in the distribution of pharmaceuticals. Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gangs and the neighborhood-based drug trafficking groups/crews were the only gangs reported to have a high level of drug trafficking activity in Mohave County. In reporting on gang intervention strategies, the responding agencies have used the Gang Intelligence and Immigration Team Enforcement Mission (GITTEM), the identification of gang members, and joint efforts with other agencies as the most effective strategies in responding to gangs and gang activity in their jurisdictions. 8 tables and 3 figures