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Gang Unit
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| About Us |
The Arlington Police Department created the Gang Unit in
1992 as a response to an increase in gang-related crime.
The Gang Unit investigates gang-related crime, provides street
level gang enforcement, gathers gang intelligence and performs
gang awareness presentations to the community.
Gang investigations and enforcement are handled by two units within
the Criminal Investigations Section. The Gang Unit has primary
responsibility for the enforcement component. This unit consists
of one sergeant and eight detectives. Gang related investigations
are handled by the Robbery/Gang Investigations Unit. This unit
consists of one sergeant and nine detectives. |
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| Activities |
The Gang Unit has identified Asian, African-American,
Hispanic, White, Motorcycle and Prison gangs in the city of
Arlington.
The Gang Unit has documented gang members involved in several
types of criminal activity. These crimes include Homicide,
Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Burglary, Assault, Theft and the
distribution of Narcotics.
A Criminal Street Gang means three or more persons having a
common identifying sign or symbol or an identifiable leadership
who continuously or regularly associate in the commission of
criminal activities. |
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| Gang Awareness |
Awareness of gang characteristics is a critical tool for
early intervention. If the warning signs are identified early,
then the youth can be directed away from gang activity. **While
each of these indicators, viewed separately, are not signs of
gang involvement, viewed together they may indicate gang
involvement.
- Associating with a new set of friends while ignoring old
friends or being vague about the identities and the
activities of the new friends.
- Change of hair style and/or clothing or associating with
other youths who have same hair style and/or same clothing.
- Use of street language, hand signs or unusual
nick-names.
- Unexplained income or possessions.
- Indications of drug, alcohol or inhalant abuse.
- Discipline issues at home or in school.
- Frequent fighting and/or injuries from participating in
fights.
- Graffiti on personal items.
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| Gang Prevention |
MEET YOUR CHILDREN'S FRIENDS, make it a point to meet each
friend, learn where they live and who their parents are, then
meet those parents.
ESTABLISH RULES FOR YOUR CHILDREN, set limits and be consistent
in enforcing those rules. Be firm but fair when disciplining,
and show your children that you care about them and are
concerned for their future.
SPEAK TO TEACHERS AND SCHOOL COUNSELORS, meet and discuss your
child with their teachers, learn what areas you can help the
child achieve and be involved in the quality of education your
child receives. Attend the child's school functions, show them
school is important.
WHEN YOUR CHILD IS GOING OUT, know where your child is going,
who he/she is going with and how he/she will get there. Set a
reasonable time for the child to return home, and enforce that
time.
ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS OR OTHER
ACTIVITIES. Children need to belong and want to be part of
something, so let them belong to scouts, or a sports team. These
activities build self-esteem and give the child a feeling that
he/she belongs to something worthwhile. |
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| Resources |
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| Contact Us |
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Arlington Police Department
Special Investigations
Gang Unit
620 West Division St.
Arlington, Texas 76011
(817) 459-5360 |
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