Safe Streets Violent Crime Initiative

In January 1992, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced the "Safe Streets Violent Crime initiative," which allowed each field office to address violent street gangs and drug related violence. Its mission was too access, locate, identify, and infiltrate severe problem areas throughout the United States. Most citizens and law enforcement agencies underestimated the impact and violence these small, organized groups could inflict. At the time some local law enforcement agencies were being pushed to the limit trying to combat the violence.
The "Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force" became the vehicle through which all federal, state and local law enforcement began retaliating against the violence that had begun to plague their communities. Which department had jurisdiction was not the question. All the communities wanted was results. Communication between federal, state and local departments began to increase allowing them to examine the problem areas, see where the gangs were expanding, and arresting high ranking members of these organizations. They also worked together and exchanged information on how to spot potential gang members.
These groups often had complex ranking systems that identified who the member was, and what his influence in the group. Tattoos were often used to display rank, membership, nicknames and past criminal activity. Law enforcement continues to gather information and new and upcoming groups to try and combat the increasing violence that is plaguing so many communities. Commuication between departments is essential in finding a solution to the problem.