Department is creating 6-member unit to focus on violent crime committed by gangs
The NOPD is creating a gang unit to focus on violent crimes committed by gang members, specifically murders.
The unit, to be comprised of 6 NOPD detectives, will be supported by a number of criminal justice agencies including the U.S. Attorney, the FBI, DEA and the ATF.
The Orleans Parish D.A. and the U.S. Attorney's office will each provide two full-time assistant attorneys to handle legal issues including the prosecution of defendants.
NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas says the effort is aimed at "holding our most violent gangs and groups accountable for their actions."
Officials say the gang unit will conduct several simultaneous investigations.
The NOPD reportedly has identified 39 different groups in the city that have a total of some 600 members. 30 of those groups or gangs are believed to be responsible for a significant number of the crimes committed in the city.
