Multi-Agency Model to Reduce Gang Crime

• NCJ Number: 152085
• Journal: Police Chief Volume: 61 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1994) Pages: 110-113
• Author(s): J L Cook; M Capizzi; M Schumacher
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program Description (Model)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

In response to escalated gang violence in Westminster, California, in recent years, the city has implemented a criminal justice service delivery model known as TARGET (Tri-Agency Resource Gang Enforcement Team).

Abstract

Although Hispanic gangs have a long history in Westminster, the city has experienced a new type of violence related to criminal gang activity. Asian street gangs, focusing on economic gain rather than turf protection, have proliferated within the refugee business community. Increased gang violence carries a heavy burden for the social and economic well-being of the city. In 1993, for example, 77 percent of parents surveyed by Westminster school officials said their greatest fear was gang involvement by their children. In late 1992, Westminister's only community hospital closed its doors, citing rising emergency room costs as a key factor. Further, many community merchants close their businesses shortly before nightfall to avoid walking out to their vehicles and driving home in the dark. In 1991, Westminister police decided to develop a new model of gang interdiction, apprehension, and prosecution based on a multiagency team approach. Working as a team, efforts are made by police, prosecution, and probation officials to resolve interagency communiation difficulties, select appropriate gang interventions, use intelligence information on gangs to establish individual affiliations, enhance victim and witness support, and conduct valid research to document the model's effectiveness. The TARGET model uses intelligence gathering and information sharing to identify and select individuals and gangs for intervention. TARGET subjects are closely monitored for new criminal activity. Rather than simply focusing on policing, the TARGET model addresses enforcement, case preparation, witness support, prosecution, and postsentencing disposition. The TARGET approach has been successful in taking subjects into custody and reducing gang-related crimes. Strengths and limitations of the TARGET model are noted. 6 footnotes