CPD does not have a gang enforcement strategy, study shows
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Gangs are a part of violence in the city of Columbus for years, but nothing is happening to prevent gang violence and a recent study of the Columbus Police Department proves just that.
As the Jensen Hughes study was underway they held interviews with CPD personnel we interviewed who stated gang-related violence and crime has significantly increased and become prevalent within the past couple years, in part due to the rapid emergence of local hybrid gangs.
During their interviews, gang experts told them, based on reliable intelligence and Georgia Department of Corrections information, there are approximately 1,800 gang members in Columbus.
“At the time of our assessment, the CPD Gang Analysis and Investigation Unit had 446 validated gang member profiles in its records management system,” the study said. “Addressing issues related to gangs should include a comprehensive strategy that addresses prevention, intervention and suppression.”
While the city provides some funding for gang prevention and intervention, it has not developed a comprehensive approach in conjunction with the police department.
“In fact, the police department does not have a gang enforcement strategy or a gang enforcement unit, and it does not engage in formal full-time participation on any local, regional, state or federal task force focused on gangs, drugs illegal guns or violent offenders,” the study added.
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