Friday, August 11, 2006

CMPD Gang Intelligence Unit

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department formed the Gang Intelligence Unit to help address the issues associated with gang activity in Charlotte, NC. The GIU is responsible for developing programs related to gang prevention, intervention and education. The unit provides training to CMPD officers and officers from surrounding departments, as well as school administrators and teachers. The GIU also makes educational presentations to civic groups and neighborhood associations.

The GIU helps to identify and investigate gang-related activities in the community. This includes gathering intelligence and providing assistance to other units in the CMPD that are investigating gang-related offenses. The GIU also helps design programs that provide alternatives to gang membership or assistance in getting out of a gang.

The following information is intended to help parents in identifying the early warning signs of gang involvement, aid them in preventing their children from getting involved with gangs, and provide assistance in helping their children get out of gangs. It is not intended to label or target a particular child who may exhibit some of the listed characteristics. This information is provided by CMPD for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as conclusive proof of gang or criminal involvement.

* WHAT IS A GANG?
* WHO BELONGS TO GANGS?
* WHY DO YOUNG PEOPLE JOIN GANGS?
* HOW TO IDENTIFY GANG MEMBERS
* HELP YOUR CHILD SAY "NO" TO GANGS
* CONSEQUENCES OF BEING IN A GANG
* HOW TO DEAL WITH YOUR CHILD BEING IN A GANG
* GETTING OUT OF A GANG

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is committed to helping gang members leave the gang culture and assisting them in finding more productive options. The Department is also committed to helping the families of gang members in addressing their child's gang involvement. These young people will find that there are many caring adults and programs available to assist them in leaving the gangs and helping them to succeed in life.

For more information on getting out of a gang, contact the "Gang of One" program at 704-432-4264 or go to www.gangofone.org. For more information on gangs, contact the CMPD Gang Intelligence Unit at 704-336-2260. To report graffiti in your neighborhood, contact Neighborhood Development at 704-336-7811. To provide information on criminal activity, contact Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.