1 Gang Enforcement Problems and Strategies: National Survey Findings* By

Federally-sponsored surveys of 149 police departments and 118 prosecutors ’ offices of jurisdictions greater than 250,000; and 73 prosecutors ’ offices of jurisdictions of 50,000 to 250,000 residents examined the problems and needs of law enforcement agencies, and the strategies they use in combating gangs. Findings show that the vast majority of police and prosecutors consider gangs and gang-related violence to be a major problem. The most common prosecutor tactics are the use of confidential informants, computerized gang intelligence systems, and street level buy-bust operations are the most common police tactics; and participating in special gang enforcement initiatives, policies discouraging reduction of charges against gang members, and access to computerized gang tracking systems. For prosecutors, obtaining the cooperation of victims and witnesses is cited as the most significant problem, followed by intimidation of witnesses