Massachusetts State Police Anti Gang Program For Youth-Suppression

Grantees are funded under this initiative to develop program activities based on the core strategies of the Comprehensive Gang Model. Category 2, Suppression, supports focused deterrence and suppression strategies aimed at preventing and reducing youth gang violence. Organizations are encouraged to develop and implement a variety of suppression strategies aligned with the Suppression core strategy described in the OJJDP Comprehensive Gang Model.

The Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit is a proactive dynamic and diverse statewide specialty unit that investigates violent criminal street gangs and their crimes. It works in close partnership with other law enforcement agencies, social service agencies, civic organizations, community outreach groups, and educational institutions. The Gang Unit embraces the OJJDP Comprehensive Gang Model, using prevention, intervention, and suppression strategies. The Gang Unit currently consists of 31 sworn members assigned to 7 teams located throughout the state. Each team works closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General, and Project Safe Neighborhoods. The Gang Unit will reduce and prevent youth gun and gang violence through multiple suppression strategies, and promote healing from victimization. The grantee will provide a sound approach to achieve goals and objectives by increasing off-hours surveillance and undercover operations in high-crime areas. In addition, they will provide gang awareness training to youth, prosecutors, law enforcement, and community members, and will continue to coordinate efforts with school systems, the District Attorney’s Office, and civilian groups. CA/NCF