Brantley, Alan C. and Andrew DiRosa. "Gangs: A National Perspective." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin 63, no. 5(May 1994): 6 p.Abstract: Gang activity has progressed during the 1990's. Gang-related homicides in Los Angeles County have risen by 250% to more than 700 during 1990 as compared to 276 in 1979. Researchers believe that the increase in gang affiliation among the youth was caused by their need to satisfy economic and social requirements. Meanwhile, the FBI has launched programs such as Major Gang Initiative and Operation Safe Streets to increase the agency's as well as community involvement in confronting gang problems.

Buhler, Milan L. "The Fugitive Task Force: An Alternative Organizational Model." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin 68, no. 4(April 1999): 5 p.Abstract: The Fugitive Task Force was formed by the FBI and the Utah State Department of Corrections to apprehend fugitives. The task force, which includes FBI agents, corrections officers and detectives, carries out their task under a memorandum of understanding between participating agencies. It utilizes the resources of several departments to apprehend fugitives that may be involved in ongoing criminal activities.

Federal Bureau of Investigation. "Safe Streets: FBI Violent Crime Initiatives." April 1999. [www.fbi.gov]. Abstract: In 1992, the FBI announced the Safe Streets Violent Crimes Initiatives, designed to allow the Special Agent in Charge of each FBI field division to address street gang and drug-related violence through the establishment of FBI-sponsored, long-term, proactive task forces which focus on violent gangs, crimes of violence, and the apprehension of violent fugitives. This website describes the mission of the Safe Streets initiative, the composition of the task forces, the benefits to state and local agencies, and provides statistics and accomplishments to date.

This bibliography is a representative selection of materials either owned or on order by the FBI Academy Library. Inclusion of an item does not represent an endorsement by the FBI of the material or its author.

Freeh, Louis J. "Responding to Violent Crime in America; Notable Speeches." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin 63(April 1994): pp. 5-8.Abstract: FBI Director Louis J. Freeh described measures against violent crime in America in a speech delivered at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Although federalization of criminal activity may result in added costs and unrealistic public expectations, the FBI continues to respond to crime through a system of priorities and redeployment of personnel. The FBI has also formed Safe Streets Task Forces to deal with gang violence.

Glionna, John M. "Fugitives Roll Dice in Vegas: Like a Magnet, the Gambling Mecca Draws Criminals From All Over the Nation Who Seek Anonymity or One Last Fling. Finding and Arresting Them Is the Job of a Special Police Unit." Los Angeles (California) Times (November 9, 1999): p. A-1.Abstract: Made up of investigators from the FBI, Las Vegas Metro police, U.S. Marshal's Service and police departments in North Las Vegas and Henderson, the Las Vegas task force arrested 840 felons during the first ten months of fiscal year 1999, which was the largest number by any of the 56 U.S. fugitive apprehension teams created in 1992 by the Federal Safe Streets Program, according to FBI statistics. In the same period, the Los Angeles team netted 382 arrests, New York's 301 and San Francisco's 251.

Grossman, Michael. "High Point Police Officer Is FBI Fellow: Lt. Dick Shuping Will Visit Police Departments Across the Country During the Six-Month Program." Greensboro (North Carolina) News & Record (May 18, 1999): p. B5.Abstract: A police supervisor from High Point will work for six month as a liaison between the FBI and local police departments across the country as they deal with gangs and violent crime. Lt. Dick Shuping is the first officer from North Carolina to be named an executive fellow with the FBI's Safe Streets Program. About eight police officers from across the country work each year as FBI fellows. As an FBI fellow, Shuping will work as a consultant in the agency's Violent Crimes and Major Offenders Section, helping Federal officials understand how gangs affect local police departments and how Federal policies affect local police as they try to stop gang activity.

Office of the Inspector General. "Audit Report 97-28: Management of the FBI's Safe Streets Fugitive Task Forces." September 1997. [http://www.usdoj.gov/oig/]. 18 April 2000.Abstract: In January 1992, the Federal Bureau of Investigation established its Safe Streets Violent Crime initiative to combat the nation's escalating violent crime rate. The initiative allowed FBI offices to establish long term, proactive task forces that focus on violent crimes and the apprehension of violent fugitives. While the task forces are sponsored by the FBI, membership includes state and local law enforcement officers, as well as other federal law enforcement personnel. The initiative began with the redesignation of 19 existing efforts as Safe Streets task forces. As of April 1996, the number escalated to 141 task forces, of which 64 concentrated on locating and apprehending violent state and local fugitives. In brief, the audit revealed that the FBI could put about $3.7 million to better use as 7 of 20 fugitive task forces reviewed exhibited operational weaknesses and should be reorganized or redirected. Recommendations are also provided.

Rodriguez, Matt L. and William D. Branon. "Operation REACT: Targeting Violence in Chicago." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin 65, no. 7(July 1996): pp. 22-26.Abstract: The FBI's Chicago Field Office and the Chicago, Illinois, Police Department mounted Operation REACT to jointly address drug-related violence and gang warfare in the city's third and fourth police districts. The task force, which began on August 2, 1994, and ended on November 30, 1994, resulted in 417 arrests and recovered 157 firearms. It also reduced the incidence of violence and homicide in the area over the long-term.

Sessions, William S. "FBI Reassigns 300 Agents to Violent Crimes." The Police Chief 59, no. 6(June 1992): p. 10.Abstract: The FBI has transferred 300 agents from counterintelligence operations to violent crime units in an effort to maximize control over violent street gangs. The 300 agents will serve to complement state and local enforcement units. This reallocation of agents also serves to expand Operation Safe Streets which was started in Washington, D.C., to 39 cities in the U.S. Violent crime in the cities has risen due to the proliferation of street gangs and a task force operation such as Operation Safe Streets should help address the problem.

Shur, Douglas. "Safe Streets: Combining Resources to Address Violent Crime." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin 64, no. 4(April 1995): 8 p.Abstract: The rising incidence of violent crime throughout the U.S. prompted the FBI to establish the Safe Streets program in 1992. The program allows Federal law enforcement agents to coordinate with their counterparts in the state and local levels in combating violent crime. It merges the vast crime prevention resources of the FBI with the first-hand knowledge of local police regarding the factors influencing violent crime in their area. One major advantage of the program is the elimination of redundant criminal investigations in both levels of law enforcement.

Witkin, Gordon. "Enlisting the Feds in the War on Gangs." U.S. News & World Report 118, no. 9(March 6, 1995): p. 38.Abstract: Since 1992, an army of Federal agents has joined forces with Connecticut's U.S. Attorney and with state and local police to inflict a series of blows on more than 100 alleged gang members believed responsible for much of the state's drug-related violence. The war is far from over, but authorities think these task forces are getting results.

Compiled by Jean Caddy, 5/00