Gang Unit

The Georgia Gang Investigators Association (GGIA) President estimates there are more than 1,000 separate gangs in metro Atlanta alone, and that between 70 and 80 percent of all violent crimes and property crimes are gang-connected.  With this awareness, Chief Keith Meadows created the Gang Unit to combat gang-related crimes. 

The South Fulton Police Department Gang Unit shall investigate all areas and individuals identified as gang members and their associates, along with the respective residential locations that these individuals reside, congregate and conduct criminal activities in. The Gang Unit shall assist other Units within the South Fulton Police Department along with other agencies in identifying and apprehending individuals documented or known to be gang members or associates, as well as assisting in executing warrants within the City of South Fulton and other jurisdictions as deemed necessary.

Definition of Gangs

The law enforcement’s definition of a gang is three or more individuals, juveniles and or adults, who associate on a continuous basis, form an allegiance for a common purpose, and are involved in delinquent or criminal activity. This definition is simple and functional. The gang may range from a loose-knit group of individuals who hang around together and commit crimes together, to a formal organization with a leader or ruling council, gang colors, gang identifiers, and a gang name.

Objectives

  • Identifying Gang members and their associates,  
  • Assisting the Criminal Investigation Division with investigations involving individuals identified as gang members or associates,  
  • Identifying repeat offenders of Part One crimes and other crimes associated with local gang activity
  • Gathering intelligence from within the City of South Fulton Police Department along with other jurisdictions regarding crime trends and suspects and identifying criminal networks operating throughout the Metro-Atlanta area
  • Interviewing offenders and suspects to gather intelligence
  • Identifying sources of other illegal criminal activity
  • Obtaining necessary warrants if probable cause is obtained through investigations

Signs of Gang Problems

  • Unexplained wealth – sudden money or possession.
  • Showing a change in personality or behavior.
  • Color of clothing and jewelry.
  • Using unusual hand signs, nicknames or language.
  • Writing strange symbols (graffiti) on notebooks and folders.
  • Withdrawing from family members or friends, radical change in friends.
  • Decline in grades; alcohol and/or drug abuse.
  • Involvement in criminal activity.
  • Tattoos, clothing, jewelry, or hairstyles that identify a particular gang.

Report gang activity in your area. If you see gang activity or graffiti in your area, call the police.  

Sgt. Capt. A. Massey is responsible for the day to day operations of the Gang Unit.