Youth and Gang Programs David L. Carter Michigan State University

Program Sites l Victoria’s Gang Prevention Program l Mission’s School-Based Youth Program l Kingsville’s Gang Identification & Suppression Program l El Paso’s Drive-by Shooting Response Team l Corpus Christi’s Juvenile Enforcement Team (JET)

PREDOMINANT POLICING PROBLEMS  Gang membership and associated offenses (e.g., graffiti, assault, etc.)  Theft  Vandalism and nuisance offenses  Drug, alcohol,and tobacco abuse PREDOMINANT POLICING PROBLEMS  Gang membership and associated offenses (e.g., graffiti, assault, etc.)  Theft  Vandalism and nuisance offenses  Drug, alcohol,and tobacco abuse CHARACTER OF THE PROBLEMS  Gang problems appear to grow geometrically  Problems represent underlying social decay  Costly to repair/replace damages  Lowers community’s quality of life CHARACTER OF THE PROBLEMS  Gang problems appear to grow geometrically  Problems represent underlying social decay  Costly to repair/replace damages  Lowers community’s quality of life Youth and Gang Programs Basic Principles

INTENT OF CRIME-SPECIFIC POLICE RESPONSES  Identify and arrest offenders  Suppress growth of endemic problems (notably gangs)  Prevent future youth and gang problems to the extent possible INTENT OF CRIME-SPECIFIC POLICE RESPONSES  Identify and arrest offenders  Suppress growth of endemic problems (notably gangs)  Prevent future youth and gang problems to the extent possible GENERAL OBSERVATIONS  Programs must be continuous  Programs must be proactive, frequently non-traditional GENERAL OBSERVATIONS  Programs must be continuous  Programs must be proactive, frequently non-traditional

Youth and Gang Programs Basic Principles KEY FACTORS  Problem youth appear to have idle time which needs to be filled  Peer pressure appears to be have more influence on many youth than parents and/or educators  Many problem youth appear to lack a sense of belonging to a family or to a constructive social group KEY FACTORS  Problem youth appear to have idle time which needs to be filled  Peer pressure appears to be have more influence on many youth than parents and/or educators  Many problem youth appear to lack a sense of belonging to a family or to a constructive social group

Victoria’s Gang Prevention Program SITE DESCRIPTION  63,000 Documented Resident Population  35 Square Miles  103 Sworn Officers  39 Non-sworn SITE DESCRIPTION  63,000 Documented Resident Population  35 Square Miles  103 Sworn Officers  39 Non-sworn YOUTH OFFICERS  Investigator Assigned to Public Housing  5 Officers Assigned to Schools + Sergeant at Alternative High School + 2 Officers at High School + 2 Officers at Junior High YOUTH OFFICERS  Investigator Assigned to Public Housing  5 Officers Assigned to Schools + Sergeant at Alternative High School + 2 Officers at High School + 2 Officers at Junior High

Victoria’s Gang Prevention Program l PURPOSE Proactively use a variety of integrated approaches to suppress existing gang activity and prevent future gang involvement The program has eight integrated elements…  Graffiti Education and Eradication  Gang Education (community and schools)  Adopt-A-Gang  Retaliation Reaction  Gang Grand Jury  Personal Protection Classes  Schools-Malls-Community Anti-Gang Programs  Promotion of “Legitimate Large Gangs” The program has eight integrated elements…  Graffiti Education and Eradication  Gang Education (community and schools)  Adopt-A-Gang  Retaliation Reaction  Gang Grand Jury  Personal Protection Classes  Schools-Malls-Community Anti-Gang Programs  Promotion of “Legitimate Large Gangs”

Victoria’s Gang Prevention Program CRITICAL FACTORS  The most effective tools are… + Building a bond of trust with gang members + Communicating with gang members (and families) + “Showing respect” to the gang member CRITICAL FACTORS  The most effective tools are… + Building a bond of trust with gang members + Communicating with gang members (and families) + “Showing respect” to the gang member PROGRAM EFFECTS  Gang violence has decreased  Gangs still exist, but they are less visible  Gangs have taken on a “more social” character and are less involved in criminal enterprises PROGRAM EFFECTS  Gang violence has decreased  Gangs still exist, but they are less visible  Gangs have taken on a “more social” character and are less involved in criminal enterprises

Mission’s School-Based Youth Programs SITE DESCRIPTION  42,000 Documented Resident Population  30 Square Miles  74 Sworn Officers  20 Non-sworn SITE DESCRIPTION  42,000 Documented Resident Population  30 Square Miles  74 Sworn Officers  20 Non-sworn YOUTH OFFICERS  Youth Services Division--3 School Districts  15 Officers (21.6%) Assigned to Schools + 8 ERO’s (High School) + 2 GREAT (Jr. High) + 5 DARE (Elementary) YOUTH OFFICERS  Youth Services Division--3 School Districts  15 Officers (21.6%) Assigned to Schools + 8 ERO’s (High School) + 2 GREAT (Jr. High) + 5 DARE (Elementary)

Mission’s School-Based Youth Programs l PURPOSE Deciding that “heavy handed” policing was not effective, the MPD began an aggressive partnership with the school districts to provide a program-based police presence in the schools. Officers roles include...  Teaching (D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T.)  Guest lectures in classes  Answer calls in the schools they are assigned to  Provide counseling to students  Serve as an information/intelligence resource for youth-related crime Officers roles include...  Teaching (D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T.)  Guest lectures in classes  Answer calls in the schools they are assigned to  Provide counseling to students  Serve as an information/intelligence resource for youth-related crime l PURPOSE Deciding that “heavy handed” policing was not effective, the MPD began an aggressive partnership with the school districts to provide a program-based police presence in the schools. Officers roles include...  Teaching (D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T.)  Guest lectures in classes  Answer calls in the schools they are assigned to  Provide counseling to students  Serve as an information/intelligence resource for youth-related crime Officers roles include...  Teaching (D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T.)  Guest lectures in classes  Answer calls in the schools they are assigned to  Provide counseling to students  Serve as an information/intelligence resource for youth-related crime

Mission’s School-Based Youth Programs POLICIES AND PRACTICES  School districts pay the officers’ salaries during the academic year (177 days)  During the summers… + School officers receive mandated training + Attend special assignment-based training (e.g., D.A.R.E. in-service) + Assigned to patrol  A review board from the schools selects officers  Supervision… + Principal supervises for curriculum-related matters + Sergeant supervises all other facets POLICIES AND PRACTICES  School districts pay the officers’ salaries during the academic year (177 days)  During the summers… + School officers receive mandated training + Attend special assignment-based training (e.g., D.A.R.E. in-service) + Assigned to patrol  A review board from the schools selects officers  Supervision… + Principal supervises for curriculum-related matters + Sergeant supervises all other facets

Mission’s School-Based Youth Programs CRITICAL FACTORS  Officers must be self-initiated and communicative  Officers must be given administrative flexibility  Schools must make an officer feel like “one of the family”  Honesty, sincerity with students is essential  It must be clear that the officer will enforce the law when necessary + He/she is not a “soft touch” + No undue influence from schools on crime control decisions CRITICAL FACTORS  Officers must be self-initiated and communicative  Officers must be given administrative flexibility  Schools must make an officer feel like “one of the family”  Honesty, sincerity with students is essential  It must be clear that the officer will enforce the law when necessary + He/she is not a “soft touch” + No undue influence from schools on crime control decisions

Mission’s School-Based Youth Programs PROGRAM EFFECTS  Notably fewer gang problems in both the schools and throughout the city (largely displaced)  Fewer reported crime problems in schools or on school property  Enhanced communication and liaison with schools to help solve crimes and symptomatic problems  Significant increase in communication between police and community (students and parents alike)  General increase in the quality of relationship with the community PROGRAM EFFECTS  Notably fewer gang problems in both the schools and throughout the city (largely displaced)  Fewer reported crime problems in schools or on school property  Enhanced communication and liaison with schools to help solve crimes and symptomatic problems  Significant increase in communication between police and community (students and parents alike)  General increase in the quality of relationship with the community

Kingsville’s Gang Identification & Suppression SITE DESCRIPTION  25,300 Documented Resident Population  16 Square Miles  46 Sworn Officers  17 Non-sworn SITE DESCRIPTION  25,300 Documented Resident Population  16 Square Miles  46 Sworn Officers  17 Non-sworn ASSIGNMENTS  Two primary officers assigned to youth programs  Other officers used as needed  Chief takes an active role ASSIGNMENTS  Two primary officers assigned to youth programs  Other officers used as needed  Chief takes an active role

Kingsville’s Gang Identification & Suppression l PURPOSE Because of the emergence of gangs, a program focusing on the schools, parents and at-risk youth was developed to suppress current gang activity and prevent gang growth. l The program was not instituted as a result of a specific plan, rather elements were included to meet needs or issues as they became apparent to the police

Kingsville’s Gang Identification & Suppression The program has several elements…  Day and evening curfews  School Liaison Officer received gang training  Patrol officer on each shift was designated as a gang officer to monitor and report gang activity  A “Parents on Patrol” was developed; predominantly work in the schools as hall monitors  A “bike clinic” was established for the summers  Graffiti eradication program  Police respond to gang fights in schools  Police work with the school to ban “gang colors”  Tobacco ordinance passed as a tool for investigation The program has several elements…  Day and evening curfews  School Liaison Officer received gang training  Patrol officer on each shift was designated as a gang officer to monitor and report gang activity  A “Parents on Patrol” was developed; predominantly work in the schools as hall monitors  A “bike clinic” was established for the summers  Graffiti eradication program  Police respond to gang fights in schools  Police work with the school to ban “gang colors”  Tobacco ordinance passed as a tool for investigation

Kingsville’s Gang Identification & Suppression CRITICAL FACTORS  Recognition that complete eradication of gangs is not a realistic goal; control is realistic  Recognize that crime problems will change, so new program elements must be constantly developed to meet the evolving problems  Be flexible, creative, and open to ideas CRITICAL FACTORS  Recognition that complete eradication of gangs is not a realistic goal; control is realistic  Recognize that crime problems will change, so new program elements must be constantly developed to meet the evolving problems  Be flexible, creative, and open to ideas PROGRAM EFFECTS  Most serious problems have been eliminated  “Wannabe” gang participation down  significantly fewer problems in the schools  Better communication with parents PROGRAM EFFECTS  Most serious problems have been eliminated  “Wannabe” gang participation down  significantly fewer problems in the schools  Better communication with parents

El Paso’s Drive-By Shooting Response Team SITE DESCRIPTION  614,000 Documented Resident Population  257 Square Miles  1,182 Sworn Officers  230 Non-sworn SITE DESCRIPTION  614,000 Documented Resident Population  257 Square Miles  1,182 Sworn Officers  230 Non-sworn DSRT Structure  Work all gang related investigations  5 officers  24 hour on-call basis  Work “straight through” investigation  Physically located next to Juvenile Probation and Juvenile Service DSRT Structure  Work all gang related investigations  5 officers  24 hour on-call basis  Work “straight through” investigation  Physically located next to Juvenile Probation and Juvenile Service

El Paso’s Drive-By Shooting Response Team l PURPOSE Following growth in gang activity and increasing numbers of drive-by shootings, the DSRT was formed as an element of the department’s gang response. The intent of the DSRT is to quickly and effectively identify and arrest suspects in gang-related crime. DSRT works closely with…  Gang Intelligence Unit which keeps track of gang members and trends in gang activities  Community Response Against Street Hoodlums (CRASH) units working as proactive enforcement out of the patrol commands DSRT works closely with…  Gang Intelligence Unit which keeps track of gang members and trends in gang activities  Community Response Against Street Hoodlums (CRASH) units working as proactive enforcement out of the patrol commands

El Paso’s Drive-By Shooting Response Team CRITICAL FACTORS  An immediate “frozen” crime scene and control of witnesses by first responding officers  Fast response by DSRT regardless of time  Ability to work “straight through” a case  Reliable, on-going intelligence  Investigators getting to know the gang members, their families, and “showing respect” to gang members  On-going, reliable confidential informants  Strong relationship with District Attorney  Support from administrators to operate creatively  Dedicated personnel making the “extra effort” CRITICAL FACTORS  An immediate “frozen” crime scene and control of witnesses by first responding officers  Fast response by DSRT regardless of time  Ability to work “straight through” a case  Reliable, on-going intelligence  Investigators getting to know the gang members, their families, and “showing respect” to gang members  On-going, reliable confidential informants  Strong relationship with District Attorney  Support from administrators to operate creatively  Dedicated personnel making the “extra effort”

El Paso’s Drive-By Shooting Response Team PROGRAM EFFECTS  The DSRT’s current clearance rate is 93%  Roughly 90% of the DSRT’s arrests occurred within 24 hours of the call out  The DSRT seized 61 weapons from gang members in a 28 month period  While gangs still exist, their presence has become less visible PROGRAM EFFECTS  The DSRT’s current clearance rate is 93%  Roughly 90% of the DSRT’s arrests occurred within 24 hours of the call out  The DSRT seized 61 weapons from gang members in a 28 month period  While gangs still exist, their presence has become less visible

Corpus Christi’s Juvenile Enforcement Team (JET) SITE DESCRIPTION  276,880Documented Resident Population  140 Square Miles  395 Sworn Officers  207 Non-sworn SITE DESCRIPTION  276,880 Documented Resident Population  140 Square Miles  395 Sworn Officers  207 Non-sworn ORGANIZATION  JET has 10 to 15 officers  Organized in the Special Services Division of the Field Services Bureau  Originally part of the patrol division ORGANIZATION  JET has 10 to 15 officers  Organized in the Special Services Division of the Field Services Bureau  Originally part of the patrol division

PURPOSE  The Corpus Christi Police Department systematically enforces both a night-time and a daytime juvenile curfew  A curfew center located in a sub-station is the site where nighttime curfew violators can be taken, while the YMCA operates a truancy center as a repository for daytime curfew violators  The police department also fields a Juvenile Enforcement Team (JET) that emphasizes curfew enforcement PURPOSE  The Corpus Christi Police Department systematically enforces both a night-time and a daytime juvenile curfew  A curfew center located in a sub-station is the site where nighttime curfew violators can be taken, while the YMCA operates a truancy center as a repository for daytime curfew violators  The police department also fields a Juvenile Enforcement Team (JET) that emphasizes curfew enforcement Corpus Christi’s Juvenile Enforcement Team (JET)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION  By June 1996 increased public concern about gangs and drive-by shootings led the police department to examine its youth-focused tactics and programs  JET was intended to be a concentrated effort on juvenile curfew enforcement  Assumption was that gang activity and gang-related crime could be reduced if... + Curfews were aggressively enforced + Parents had greater information and accountability PROGRAM DESCRIPTION  By June 1996 increased public concern about gangs and drive-by shootings led the police department to examine its youth-focused tactics and programs  JET was intended to be a concentrated effort on juvenile curfew enforcement  Assumption was that gang activity and gang-related crime could be reduced if... + Curfews were aggressively enforced + Parents had greater information and accountability Corpus Christi’s Juvenile Enforcement Team (JET)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION  Aggressive enforcement followed a 2 week public information campaign for students and parents  “Zero Tolerance” policy  Some complaints from parents, but generally strong public support  Use of curfew center and YMCA cut down on time required to enforce curfews PROGRAM DESCRIPTION  Aggressive enforcement followed a 2 week public information campaign for students and parents  “Zero Tolerance” policy  Some complaints from parents, but generally strong public support  Use of curfew center and YMCA cut down on time required to enforce curfews Corpus Christi’s Juvenile Enforcement Team (JET)

CRITICAL FACTORS  Availability of curfew centers  “Zero Tolerance” policy  Having a team of officers (JET) specifically responsible for curfew enforcement  Inter-related mission of JET to also deal with gangs CRITICAL FACTORS  Availability of curfew centers  “Zero Tolerance” policy  Having a team of officers (JET) specifically responsible for curfew enforcement  Inter-related mission of JET to also deal with gangs Corpus Christi’s Juvenile Enforcement Team (JET)

PROGRAM EFFECTS  At the outset, increase in number of curfew citations  Decreased victimization of juveniles  Decreased offenses committed by juveniles  Increased arrests of juveniles for offenses other than curfew violations PROGRAM EFFECTS  At the outset, increase in number of curfew citations  Decreased victimization of juveniles  Decreased offenses committed by juveniles  Increased arrests of juveniles for offenses other than curfew violations Corpus Christi’s Juvenile Enforcement Team (JET)

Youth and Gang Programs Implications As simple as it sounds, the first stage is to identify...  The existence of youth problems  The character/dynamics of those problems As simple as it sounds, the first stage is to identify...  The existence of youth problems  The character/dynamics of those problems The goals of youth programs are to:  Resolve immediate serious problems  Suppress growth of dysfunctional behavior  Displace crime phenomena  Develop preventive programs The goals of youth programs are to:  Resolve immediate serious problems  Suppress growth of dysfunctional behavior  Displace crime phenomena  Develop preventive programs Accomplishing these goals requires integration of  Community policing  Tactical policing  Problem solving Accomplishing these goals requires integration of  Community policing  Tactical policing  Problem solving

Youth and Gang Programs DISCUSSION David L. Carter Michigan State University