NCJ Number
198534
Journal
Gazette Volume: 64 Issue: 3 Dated: 2002 Pages: 27-28
Editor(s)
Heather Hamilton
Date Published
2002
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article describes a police project designed to prevent the intimidating behavior of Hells Angels biker gang members in local bars in Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, a town that had become home to one of the most notorious Hells Angels chapters in Canada.
Abstract
In the mid-1990's, gang members patronizing bars began to intimidate bar staff and clientele; and physical assaults, verbal threats, drug trafficking, and property damage became routine in the bars attended by gang members. The intimidation escalated to the point where bikers were taking over control of the bars, serving themselves behind the counter or refusing to let bar staff close for the night. In an effort to address the problem, bar owners completed a police survey and met with police to voice their concerns and fears. After gaining the cooperation of bar owners, the police decided to launch Project Nocturnal. Teams of up to eight officers entered bars donned with blue jackets similar to traffic vests, with the word "NOCTURNE" written in large letters on the back. These teams entered bars unannounced, and they would remain anywhere from 5 to 45 minutes. A police hotline was also established so bar owners and their clientele could anonymously report incidents of intimidation. When a team entered a bar, gang members would exit, since many were under the terms of probation or parole that prohibited attending bar establishments. This operation not only rid the bars of gang members, but led to their leaving the town. This project is being replicated in nine other cities in Quebec, and other cities outside the Province are examining the program.