FBI Safe Streets Task Force: Gang Arrests in Essex County

On January 10, 2008, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force announced the arrest of members of the "793 Bloods", a subgroup within the "Bloods," one of the largest street gangs in the U.S. The 793 Bloods, originated in 2007, maintain control of their "territory" in Newark, New Jersey through violence and intimidation. These arrests—on charges such as Crack Distribution, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Armed Robbery—emphasize the inseparable connection of gangs with guns and drugs.

The Task Force, which consists of The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Attorneys Office, Newark Police Department, Essex County Sheriff's Office, East Orange Police Department, Essex County Department of Corrections, Irvington Police Department, Hudson County Sheriff's Office, Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, and the Cranford Police Department, must be commended for their dedication to the protection of the community.

Ongoing Problem

An escalation of violence in Manhattan high schools has been linked to a turf war between rival gangs Dominicans Don't Play (DDP) and Trinitarios. The New York Post reports one shooting death, three shot and wounded and at least nine others stabbed or slashed.

"Both of these gangs are recruiting at schools all over New York and in New Jersey," one gang investigator said.

In an investigative report on Gangs in the Military, reporter Chris Blatchford of Fox 11 News in Los Angeles, uncovers the presence of gang members in the military, who learn warfare on sophisticated weapons and return to the streets battle hardened. (see video report below)

The recent movie American Gangster, starring Denzel Washington, highlights the violence of the drug world. The story was based on the real-life exploits of Frank Lucas, a major figure in the drug trade on the streets of Harlem in the 1970s. The violence, disregard for human life and destruction that the "syndicate" or gang wreak on the community is graphically presented. (see movie trailer below)

And my article titled Gangs, Guns and Drugs—Community Awareness and Response, published in the March 2005 edition of The New Jersey Police Chief, emphasizes that gangs are a flashpoint for violence and are tragically becoming more deeply rooted in the very fabric our communities from coast to coast.

Community Response

Americans must be aware of the pandemic pestilence of the gang culture. In addition to the enforcement efforts of the gang task forces, we must respond with a collaborative effort of educators, parents, law enforcement and community leaders to support our youth and keep them from joining the gangs. We must address the brokenness of American society and the deterioration of family life that drives our youth to the false allurement of the gang as their surrogate "family."

Fox11News Gangs in the Military (6:45) American Gangster Trailer (1:55)

<A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgwfVJIoBNM">Play the clip on YouTube</A>

READ MORE

Juvenile Justice Bulletin Preventing Adolescent Gang Involvement (PDF document)	Click here to visit site
SafeYouth.org Gangs Fact Sheet	Click here to visit site
National Youth Gang Center	Click here to visit site
National Gang Intelligence Center	Click here to visit site
New York Post Article	Click here to visit site
FBI Gang Resources	Click here to visit site
FBI Press Release	Click here to visit site
Gangs, Guns and Drugs— Community Awareness and Response Vincent J. Bove—March 2005	Click here to visit site