Feds Host Anti-Gang Training Program

CHICAGO (WBBM) -- Gang investigators from local and state police are brushing up on new ways to tackle gang violence in their communities through a federal training program in the suburbs.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald offered opening remarks at the U.S. Justice Department training event near Oakbrook.

According to Fitzgerald, Chicago has 13,000 police officer and more than 70,000 registered gang members. He says combating gang violence needs to be a collaborative battle based on intelligence generated at the local, state and federal levels.

He also encouraged law enforcers to “market” themselves better by letting potential gang bangers know who they are up against and what penalties or prison time they face if they’re caught.

Fitzgerald pointed to Chicago program called a “parolee forum” where ex-cons are gathered together and told about the harsh federal prison sentences available to repeat offenders, then given an opportunity to go in a new direction through job placement, training or education.

The anti-gang training runs through the 31st.

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