NCJ Number
204143
Journal
Criminal Law Update Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: 1999 Pages: 1-32
Editor(s)
Dru S. Fuller
Date Published
1999
Length
32 pages
Annotation
The feature article in this journal describes the various policies Texas is pursuing to combat criminal gangs; other articles pertain to a Web site that assists rural law enforcement, a program for countering crimes with firearms, and a regional training program for Texas government employees on cutting-edge legal issues.
Abstract
Regarding anti-gang initiatives in Texas, the attorney general is creating a gang resource Web site that contains information on geographic area-specific gang names, colors, tattoos, graffiti, migration trends, and recruitment activities; the site will be available by the end of 2000. The Department of Public Safety is establishing a statewide database for tracking individual gang members; this information will be available in September 2000. The Department of Criminal Justice is notifying sheriffs and police chiefs when gang members leave prison and move into their counties. Parole officers who supervise released gang members are being specially trained. The Texas Violent Gang Task Force facilitates cooperation among Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies in taking action against gangs. Another journal article profiles a Web page on international fugitives that helps Texas law enforcement officials track down Mexican nationals who commit crimes in Texas and then flee across the border to avoid prosecution. The general public can also view the site and assist in the search for these fugitives. A third journal article describes a program that provides qualified, financially strapped rural law enforcement agencies a free Internet connection. To be eligible, the agency must serve counties with fewer than 50,000 residents or cities with fewer than 25,000 residents. An article describes the operation of the Texas Exile program, which is a statewide crime-control initiative designed to address the problem of firearm violence by offenders who illegally carry and use weapons. The initiative promotes enhanced prosecution for offenses committed with a gun. Most case are channeled through the Federal system, where penalties are harsher. Another article describes a full-day regional training program in cutting-edge legal issues at "cut-rate prices" for criminal justice personnel, school employees, and government employees. A review of recent court cases and attorney general opinions is also included in the journal.