Hempstead, NY - November 15, 2016 - The Village of Hempstead Police Department announced today a brand-new, uniformed gang task force to combat gang-related crimes in the Village. The new force will greatly expand on existing gang intelligence assets and policing capacities to advance public safety. The introduction of the uniformed gang task force is part of Village of Hempstead Mayor Wayne J. Hall’s tough stance on crime, dedication to protecting Village residents, and his promotion of safety as the foremost Village priority.
“The new, uniformed gang task force represents a pivotal moment in the fight against gang-related crime,” said Village of Hempstead Mayor Wayne J. Hall. “By dedicating specialized, full-time, uniformed units to anti-gang initiatives, the Hempstead Police Department’s message of zero tolerance for criminal gang activity is clear.”
The uniformed gang task force will suppress gang activity by increasing patrols and intelligence, seizing illegal substances, and increasing investigations into gang activities. Officers will identify, disrupt and seek prosecution of individuals involved in illegal operations and support community-based anti-gang programs. Uniformed officers will receive specialized training to handle the inherently complex, sensitive and dangerous environments they face, including risk assessment, risk management, information technology support, and enhanced intelligence-gathering tools.
“Our uniformed gang task force will bolster both police and community efforts to enforce the safety and security of Village residents,” said Village of Hempstead Police Chief Michael McGowan. “Using state-of-the-art, anti-gang intelligence databases and specialized training, task force officers will have unprecedented resources to protect and serve the entire Village of Hempstead community.”
“Combatting criminal gang activity is essential to public safety,” said District Attorney Madeline Singas. “I applaud Mayor Hall and Chief McGowan for prioritizing this fight through the creation of a task force that will focus on gang members who bring violence, guns and drugs into our communities. We will continue to develop information and strategies with the Village of Hempstead Police Department to put an end to these criminal enterprises.”
Village of Hempstead residents can reach the force to report suspected gang activity by contacting the Village of Hempstead Police Department at 516-483-6200.
“All Village residents should reach out to the police if they experience or are aware of criminal gang activity,” said Village of Hempstead Deputy Mayor Luis Figueroa. “Reporting suspected criminal activity is completely confidential and can save lives.”
For more information, please call the Incorporated Village of Hempstead at 516.489.3400 or visit the website at www.villageofhempstead.org