Unprecedented Anti-Gang Effort Launched in Houston Today

September 23, 2010 - At a news briefing today (Thursday, Sept. 23), Houston Police Chief Charles A. McClelland Jr, Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia, Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos, members of the Houston area Multi-Agency Gang Task Force (MAGTF) and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies announced a new public crime fighting tool. 

Also in attendance at the news conference were First Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Vaden - Southern District of Texas, Chief Deputy U. S. Marshal Charles Paulette and U. S. Marshal Elizabeth Saenz, United States Marshals Service - Southern District of Texas, Special Agent in Charge Richard C. Powers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Dewey Webb of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Thomas E. Hinojosa of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Assistant Special Agent in Charge Patrick McElwain of Immigration and Custom's Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, Warden Annette Gordon of the Federal Bureau of Prisons - Southern District of Texas, Commander Terry D. Cobbs of the Office of the Inspector General - Texas Department of Criminal Justice Special Operations Division, Major George E. Rhyne, Jr., Texas Department of Public Safety - Criminal Investigations Division, Chief Jimmie Dotson of the Houston Independent School District, and Director Patricia Harrington, City of Houston - Mayor's Anti-Gang Office. 

The website www.stophoustongangs.org was created to inform and educate the public about criminal gangs and provide a way for residents to report anonymous tips about potential criminal gang activity.  This community policing initiative was designed to help keep our communities safe from gangs and the related violence they bring. 

The website is a measure that utilizes technology to partner with the community and increase awareness through education regarding the threat of criminal gang activity.  Residents can also access information about prevention and intervention programs. 

"This is a perfect example of what community policing is all about," said Chief McClelland.  "If we can improve communications with our residents and stop one act of violence, then it’s a success," he added.   

Gangs are a community problem that requires a collaborative police and community effort.  Residents of the Houston, Harris County and surrounding area can be reassured MAGTF and other local law enforcement agencies are working together to keep our communities safe.

VHS/JFC 9-23-10