Status of Targeted Policing Efforts Against Violent City Gangs

July 7, 2003

"Status of Targeted Policing Efforts Against Violent City Gangs"
 
Who:
Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn, Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton, FBI Special Agent in Charge Ralph Bolter, DEA Special Agent in Charge Michele Leonhart
What:
Press Conference Advising on the Current Status of a Multi-Agency Task Force to Combat Gang Violence
When:
Tuesday, July 8, 2003, at 11:00 a.m.
Where:
Los Angeles Police Department, 77th Street Area Community Police Station, 7600 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles : During the past month, the Los Angeles Police Department in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigations and Drug Enforcement Agency have successfully conducted four large-scale enforcement operations in the South Los Angeles area. The enforcement efforts have focused on three violent street gangs in 77th Division, Southwest Division and Southeast Division. Each operation involved the service of multiple search and arrest warrants, as well as probation/parole compliance searches.
As a result of the combined efforts, more than 60 arrests were made including more than 50 gang members. Over 25 firearms were seized including a fully automatic MAC-11 handgun and several assault rifles. Nearly $10,000 in currency, rock cocaine and marijuana were also recovered.
Prior to each operation key community and civic leaders were advised of the enforcement. This was done in part to keep them fully informed of major police operations. It is the policy and practice of the Los Angeles Police Department to be transparent about how we fight crime. Similar operations will follow and are currently being planned. Those gangs who continue to be violent and victimize the good citizens of our communities will be the focus of further targeted enforcement actions.
This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Renee’ Montoya, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.