NCJ Number
148546
Journal
Ohio Police Chief Pages: 41-43
Date Published
Unknown
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Youth gang units of the Cleveland, Ohio, Police Department and public school system collaborated in implementing a proactive approach to reducing gang violence.
Abstract
The Cleveland Police Department formed a youth gang unit in 1990 that consists of detectives formerly decentralized in six police districts. These detectives refocused their efforts on all gang-related crimes committed in the city. In 1991, they investigated and processed 5,377 juvenile cases, counseling parents and juveniles on a limited basis and making referrals to social service agencies at their discretion. The investigative process was supplemented with street law enforcement. Plans call for targeting specific gangs and gang members based on unit investigations and concerns voiced by the community, public officials, and others affected by gang crimes. The combination of felony and misdemeanor gang crime investigations, street law enforcement, and intelligence gathering provides a balanced approach to address both short-term and long-term goals of the youth gang unit. During the 1991-1992 school year, another youth gang unit was created in response to the negative impact of gangs on Cleveland's public schools. Functions of this unit include prioritized investigations, high profile presence and enforcement, dispute mediation, and rumor control. Unit personnel also provide extensive training to staff and parents in gang awareness and identification and intervention techniques. In addition, unit personnel participate in community networking to develop programs that reduce gang activity, identify alternatives to youth gangs, and coordinate resources for at-risk and gang-involved youth. The benefits of collaboration between the police and the school system are discussed.