Gang crimes have dropped dramatically in Montgomery County, new figures show, but officials worry about keeping up with an enterprise becoming more regional and difficult to track every day.
In the first three months of the year, 54 gang incidents were reported in the county. If the pace continues, it would represent the third consecutive year of steep declines; there was a 35 percent drop in gang incidents between 2008 and 2009.
Law enforcement officials say the improving figures are a byproduct of greater focus on gangs, better databases and increased collaboration between jurisdictions in the Washington region.
» 2010 (first quarter): 54
» 2009: 285 » 2008: 442 » 2007: 507 » 2006: 363 » 2005: 330
But during a County Council panel meeting Thursday, some said results should be better.
“I think this all starts with discipline in the schools,” said Councilman Marc Elrich, D-at large, a former county elementary school teacher. “I can’t believe the things kids get away with. It’s appalling than an adult can’t just walk up to a child and say, ‘Shut up, sit down and do what you’re supposed to do.’ ”
Police acknowledge gang prevention is more effective than supression, saying schools can easily turn into breeding grounds for gang members. However, the county is eliminating many of its school resource officers, which some fear will lead to disastrous results.
Gillespie estimated that gang activity accounts for 3 percent of crime in the county but added its impact is hardly proportional.
Police say pack attacks, which are street robberies by roaming gangs, are the biggest problem in the county.
The chairman of the council’s public safety committee shared that sentiment.
“I think the biggest concern is driving down the number of robberies,” said Councilman Phil Andrews, D-Gaithersburg/Rockville. “When you have street crime, it has a broad impact on perception of public safety.”
Even with the improvements, police are still trying to identify the most common factors in gang violence.
“I think we can’t ignore the fact that a lot of these divisions are along racial lines,” said Montgomery County Police Capt. David Gillespie, pointing to tensions between Hispanic and black gangs.
Others chalked up conflicts to perceived lack of respect, saying fights were rooted in issues as small as looking at someone’s girlfriend the wrong way. And gangs’ numbers are heavily influenced by legacies — family members following in the footsteps of older siblings.
Law enforcement officials are optimistic about continuing the positive trend.
There is a pending $2.7 million congressional earmark for a bi-county gang task force with Prince George’s County, which the two jurisdictions would split evenly. Most gang crimes in Montgomery County occur along the Prince George’s border.
There is a pending $2.7 million congressional earmark for a bi-county gang task force with Prince George’s County, which the two jurisdictions would split evenly. Most gang crimes in Montgomery County occur along the Prince George’s border.
