NCJ Number
173610
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 65 Issue: 4 Dated: April 1998 Pages: 62-64
Date Published
1998
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article describes how police agencies in Atlanta, Ga.; Los Angeles, Calif.; and Pima County, Ariz., use instant photos in the investigation of gang-related crime.
Abstract
The Gang Intelligence System (GANGIS) database developed by the Atlanta Police Department (APD) enables law enforcement agencies in Atlanta and other areas of Georgia to keep tabs on 2,000 to 3,000 gang members or individuals confirmed to associate with gang members. Instant photographs taken in the field and then scanned into GANGIS enable law enforcement officials to identify, track, and build cases against juvenile and gang-related offenders. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department uses Polaroid Spectra cameras on the scene or in the hospital to photograph graffiti markings, victims, and witnesses, as well as wounds and injuries before they are bandaged. Field ID or field interview cards are used in concert with instant photos. Relevant information is entered into the statewide Cal-Gang tracking system. To an extent, aggressive law enforcement has driven Pima County (Arizona) gang members to assume a lower profile on the streets; however, instant photographs and friendly communication with gang members on the streets help police officers keep tabs and updated IDs on gang members and youths at risk. Members of the Arizona State Gang Task Force also jot notes on the enlarged bottom border and on the backs of the Polaroid photos they shoot. A central library of indexed Polaroids often plays a vital role in building evidence against gang members, together with an extensive database of information on gang members.