Kaufman County area law enforcement agencies are proud to partner with the Texas Anti-Gang Center to address street crime issues affecting our region. Through a grant from the State, this partnership includes but is not limited to, providing funding for investigators, prosecutors, equipment, and training as well as leveraging intelligence capabilities and platforms in order to enhance the safety and security of the residents of Kaufman County.
Kaufman County Street Crimes Unit: What is it?
This countywide law enforcement cooperative called the Street Crimes Unit aims to address various issues, including gang activity, juvenile crime, and the presence of firearms on the streets. The Texas Anti-Gang Program strives to create safer communities by reducing gang activity, protecting vulnerable individuals from gang involvement, and providing support to those affected by gang violence. It serves as a comprehensive and coordinated effort to tackle the complex challenges associated with gangs and their impact on society. This program is already showing promising results in Kaufman County.
Who is involved?
Led by Criminal District Attorney Erleigh Norville Wiley, the task force is comprised of Sheriff Bryan Beavers and his deputies, Precinct 2 Kaufman County Constable Jason Johnson, and Forney Police Chief Carrie White. The grant from the Texas Anti-Gang Center/Program includes the addition of intelligence and undercover officers, prosecutors, and state of the art technology to actively combat crime and promote community safety.
“As Kaufman County continues to flourish and gain recognition as the fastest-growing county in the nation, it’s essential that we stay one step ahead in ensuring the safety and security of our residents,” said Criminal District Attorney Erleigh Wiley. “The creation of the Kaufman County Street Crimes Unit represents our proactive response to these changing times and there’s no better time to start than now!” Tackling Gangs and More:
Although the program focuses on combating gangs, its broader objective is to combat all forms of violent crimes, juvenile delinquency, and the proliferation of firearms. Recognizing the increasing influx of crime from neighboring Dallas, particularly in Forney, the fastest growing city in the County, law enforcement agencies in Kaufman County have taken a proactive approach to address these challenges head-on.
“The North Texas Anti-Gang Center is proud to partner with Kaufman County area law enforcement to assist these agencies in addressing street crime issues affecting their region,” said K. Scott McRory, Administrator, of the North Texas Anti-Gang Center. “The partnership includes, but is not limited to, providing funding for positions, equipment, and training as well as leveraging intelligence capabilities and platforms in order to enhance the safety and security for the residents of Kaufman County.”
Expansion and Funding:
The success and impact of the program already has prompted county officials to consider expanding it throughout the entire county, encouraging participation from all areas. McRory said funding of positions is not officially authorized until the grant is accepted on September 1 but the District Attorney’s office has been reorganized, allowing for dedicated personnel to work full-time on the program, further strengthening its efficacy.
“We will have boots on the ground with our eyes and ears open to detect criminal activity in the early stages,” said Brian Reed, Lead Investigator for the Kaufman County Street Crimes Unit. “Listening to the conversations and ‘chatter’ among those who are most vulnerable to becoming involved in crime, especially our youth who are being targeted as participants by gang units infiltrating all of North Texas. By listening to what those youth are talking about, and by encouraging people if they see or hear something, to say something, we believe we can prevent much of the crime that might have been organized.”
How You Can Help
As investigator Reed and our partners in this initiative remind the public that through effective listening and engagement even the citizens of Kaufman County can be the eyes and ears of the public to help combat crime before it happens. “If you see something, say something,” said investigator Reed.
To report gun, gang, and drug activity anonymously, contact the Kaufman County Street Crimes Task Force at www.stopnorthtexasgangs. org, or leave a message or text at 469-3764105.
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