Gang Stats from Crime Bill Hearing

The DC City Council Judiciary Committee held a public hearing Wednesday on two bills: the “Omnibus Anti-Crime Amendment Act of 2009” and the “Public Safety and Justice Amendments Act of 2009.” (Read Feb. 22 Borderstan posting on crime bill.)

According to the City Desk blog over at the Washington City Paper Web site, the following information about DC gangs came out in the supportive testimony of D.C. Attorney General Peter J. Nickles and MPD Chief of Police Cathy L. Lanier:

“At the present time, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) estimates that there are approximately 1,730 active gang members in 87 gangs in the District.  Each gang has established turf in a city neighborhood.   There are 8 gangs who have made a neighborhood in the First Police District (1D) their turf; 18 gangs who are at home in 3D; 13 gangs who have established themselves in 4D; 12 gangs who operate in communities served by 5D; 16 gangs who base themselves out of 6D neighborhoods; and 20 gangs that make a neighborhood in 7D their home.”