NCJ Number
199055
Journal
On Good Authority Volume: 4 Issue: 5 Dated: December 2000 Pages: 1-4
Date Published
December 2000
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes an implementation and impact program evaluation of the Kankakee Metropolitan Enforcement Group (KMEG).
Abstract
The KMEG is a specialized unit that operates overtly in addressing citizen-identified problem areas and covertly in developing large-scale drug investigations. This evaluation project explored six program areas: the relationship between the covert and overt units; the relationship between KMEG, local police departments, and the community, plus officers' perceptions of the KMEG unit; the nuisance abatement activities; the sustainability of the KMEG unit; KMEG enforcement activities before and after a 1998 reorganization; and the perceived quality of KMEG cases by the Kankakee County State's Attorney's Office and the city attorney. A description is provided of the KMEG, including its geographic jurisdiction, goals, and activities. The relationship between the covert and overt units is described as cooperative with information sharing on a daily basis and interaction on cases. The relationship between KMEG and city police and the community, the nuisance abatement ordinance, outcome measures, and quality of KMEG cases are described. Figures provide information on number of nuisance abatement actions by year; and response by Kankakee officials to nuisance problems, and percent compliance with the specific requirements of those actions. In conclusion, it is noted that the level of cooperation among area law enforcement agencies increased substantially, resulting in an increase in the investigation, arrest, and prosecution of drug and gang-related offenders, plus the revitalization of a number of Kankakee-area neighborhoods.