Gang Unit
The Police Department works hard to keep gang activity firmly under control in Irving. To combat gangs, police officers take a multifaceted approach.

Prevention
The gang unit first focuses on prevention. To prevent teens from joining gangs, the unit works closely with school resource officers to identify at-risk youth, and conducts home visits. Special training is provided for police officers, teachers, Irving Citizens on Patrol members, parents, schools and businesses at their request.

Enforcement
When prevention does not work, the unit focuses on enforcement with a zero-tolerance approach through a high-profile community presence. Known gang members and their associates are closely monitored by the unit, which also surveys locations that are frequented by members.
 
Intelligence
When gang members are arrested, officers shift their focus to intelligence work for future enforcement activities. All gang members and potential gang members who are arrested and processed through the jail system are interviewed, regardless of the reason for incarceration, to help police track members and their activity.
 
The Police Department has been given an opportunity to increase its gang initiatives to build on last year’s significant crime reduction through a statewide gang initiative grant.

The grant provides up to $225,000 in overtime reimbursement to help address gang crime and related issues. Provided by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division, the grant may be used for deployment and training, and no matching funds are required.

Posted Dec. 1