Earlier this year the Garland City Council approved two new police officers for the Garland Police Department. Soon after, District 5 Council Member Rich Aubin addressed the council about approving two more officers as well as a lieutenant for the gang unit.
Traditionally, GPD’s gang unit has worked at night. However, after what Aubin called a “daytime shootout” occurred at Garland’s Armstrong Park, the need for more officers was explored.
“Our gangs are now working fulltime,” Aubin said.
Aubin noted that Garland’s Police Chief Jeff Bryan made a presentation to council a couple of weeks ago and expressed minimum requirements for the department. However, in the intervening two weeks, there had been several incidents.
“One that was in my district that involved, for lack of a better description, a daytime shootout at a park,” Aubin said.
District 3 Council Member B.J. Williams added that there had been a 4 a.m. “drive by” in his district recently.
He added that adding more officers would give the department a better opportunity to keep up with the gang issue. In the past, when more officers have been needed for the gang unit, neighborhood police officers were transferred temporarily. The problem with that is that residents then begin to ask where their NPO is.
Bryan said that it is becoming more frequent that the gang unit needs support. He also said that Garland, at that time, had 354 officers and a quarter of a million people.
Aubin praised the police department and said that the request for more officers is not a reflection on the department. He also expressed pride in GPD.
After council approved an increase in the number of officers, the following questions were sent to Bryan. Questions and answers are below.
What is the definition of a gang?
A gang is defined by the Texas Penal Code (section 71.01) as “three or more persons having a common identifying sign or symbol or an identifiable leadership who continuously or regularly associate in the commission of criminal activities.”
How many gangs (all types) are there in Garland?
It’s difficult to give an accurate answer to this question, as the numbers change frequently. The gang unit maintains documentation of all gang activity. Gangs may form around a group of kids who live in a small area, or a group that have similar interests. Most of these gangs fall dormant within a short period of time without much activity.
The number gangs that are considered to be “active” is much smaller, but these numbers also change frequently. Gangs that are active today will change over time as the members mature and seek a better life with family and careers.
Do they have names, colors, signs, etc.?
Gangs identify themselves by a common symbol. The traditional symbols started in California between the Bloods Gang (red) and the Crips Gang (blue). Gangs may also identify by less visible means such as specific haircuts, tattoos or pieces of clothing. Gangs in Garland are more likely to hide their identity in fear of drawing attention from the Garland Police Department.
Of the total, how many are considered dangerous?
Most gang members in Garland are kids who are searching for a place to belong. They often feel peer pressure to join the neighborhood group. This is often just a phase in life, and most kids will mature into productive members of society. GPD’s goal is to intervene early in this cycle and to provide counseling, support and other avenues to focus this youthful energy. The additional officers added to the unit will help in these efforts.
There are incidents of gang violence that occur in Garland. These are typically the result of an ongoing feud between individuals or groups. The violence is often directed toward a specific individual or group as a result of the ongoing feud. This is different than what you might see in larger cities such as Chicago or Las Angeles where violence is often random or violent acts occur due to territory disputes.
What parts of Garland have the highest concentration of gangs that are considered dangerous?
This changes frequently. Gangs may pop up in small areas and are active for a short time, then disappear after heavy police involvement. A gang may form in a specific area such as an apartment complex or small neighborhood. Police involvement may include enforcement, but it is intervention efforts that make the most difference. We’ve seen gang activity in all parts of Garland during one time or another.
Typically, what kinds of crimes do they commit? Are they drug-related? Are they often violent?
There is no typical answer to this question. They may commit any number of crimes.
How often does GPD see evidence of gang activity? Daily? Weekly?
The GPD gang unit is involved in a never-ending search for gang activity, so they are always finding it. Gang activity may include something non-threatening such as a meeting with the parents of a kid who is having problems in school. Or it may include more overt acidity such as a fight in a park.
Violent gang activity typically comes in cycles, as we may see a spike over a short period of time, followed by heavy intervention and enforcement which suppresses this type of activity. Even during times with low gang activity, the gang unit officers are working to identify opportunities for interventions.
Why do you think there has been an increase in gang activity?
Gang activity has always been cyclical in Garland. It’s difficult to know the exact causes for the recent spike in gang activity. The past few years have been anything but typical, as we’ve tried to manage the pandemic, shutdowns, anti-police sentiment, job uncertainty and a politically divisive atmosphere …I’m sure each of these has played a part.
Are there specific things residents should be watching for?
Yes. Gang graffiti. Thec City of Garland has a very aggressive graffiti removal program by calling 972-485-6400.
We also encourage parents to discuss this topic with their kids. We offer types for this discussion on the Garland Police Department website. The Garland Police Department and GISD are partners in this endeavor. We are here help. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Were the Dec. 26 murders gang-related?
The Dec. 26 appears to be the result of an ongoing feud, although some of those involved may have gang affiliations.
Were the shootings at Armstrong Park gang-related?
This incident is still under investigation and we hope to release additional details soon.