HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem B: Criminal Street Gang Presentation
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
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how best to link strategies in ways that will ensure gang activity is reduced and to continuously improve
on the safety of our communities and enable safe and constructive futures for our youth.
Using Oregon and U.S. Department of Justice standards, the Police Department is identifying known
gang members and helping to determine who among them are responsible for committing violent
crimes. The EPD has also established a specialized team, the Gang Response and Investigative Team, to
address gang-related crimes. The project manager for the new team has borrowed lessons from best
practices and success from Eugene and other communities throughout the northwest and country. The
team will be used to assist with incidents where gang crime is known or suspected.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
This topic relates to the council’s goals and outcomes: Safe Community -- A community where people
feel safe, valued, and welcome. A safe community includes decreased property crime, greater sense of
safety (especially downtown), visible and accessible police presence and better police/community
relations.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
No formal action is needed at this meeting. This item is being presented for council information only.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
This item is scheduled for discussion only at this time. There is no recommendation at this time.
SUGGESTED MOTION
There is no motion at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Street Gang Overview – Powerpoint Presentation
B. Gang Set Graffiti – Powerpoint Presentation
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Detective Gregory S. Harvey
Telephone: 541-682-5174
Staff E-Mail: Greg.S.Harvey@ci.eugene.or.us
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