Item B: Criminal Street Gang Presentation

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Criminal Street Gang Presentation Meeting Date: October 17, 2011 Agenda Item Number: B Department: Eugene Police Staff Contact: Captain Rex Barrong www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5820 ISSUE STATEMENT This is a presentation and discussion about the increasing criminal street gang problems in Eugene, the Police Department’s response to date, and future plans. BACKGROUND There has been a marked increase in criminal street gangs in the Eugene/Springfield area, and criminal behavior resulting from the street gangs. The City Council has not taken action on this topic. Addressing criminal street gangs will address the City’s goals of a safe community. Gangs are defined as a group of people who form an allegiance for a common purpose, who engage in criminal activity and who conform to one or more of the following traits: •Share a common group name; •Share common symbols, tattoos or graffiti; •Share a common style of dress; •Frequently congregate upon, or lay claim to a geographic location; and associate together on a regular or continuous basis. In Eugene, gangs are spread out over the city and are not based on neighborhoods or schools. Gangs may be local, statewide, regional, prison gangs, nationally-based or gangs associated with specific big cities, such as Los Angeles. Most people involved in gangs are between the ages of 12 and 25, and elementary school recruitment takes place. Local gangs sometimes have a ‘mother chapter’ in another city that provides direct support to the local gang. It is estimated that there are more than 1,000 active street gang members and close associates in the Eugene/Springfield area. Crimes usually associated with gangs include prostitution, weapons, drug dealing, robbery, assault and murder. In Eugene, recent gang-involved crimes include attempted murder involving a stabbing and shooting, several assaults, robberies, burglaries and stolen vehicles. The Eugene Police Department (EPD) will work purposefully with community, schools, human service agencies and police agencies to reduce the numbers of active street gang numbers and their ability to attract and recruit young people. Following discussion with executive directors, the Police Department will host a summit with representatives from government, non-profits, and the community to determine S:\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M111017\S111017B.doc