On September 14, 2018, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation deeming September 16 – September 22, 2018, as National Gang Violence Prevention Week. Attorney General Chris Carr is asking all Georgians to join in recognizing this important issue.

“There’s no two ways about it, gangs are present and actively recruiting new members in our state, perpertrating violent crimes such as human, gun and arms trafficking, carjackings, random shootings and armed robberies,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “I join the President and the Department of Justice in highlighting this issue. In Georgia, we’re choosing to work together and fight these networks with our own network so our citizens can live their lives without fear of becoming a victim of gang violence.”

Earlier this week, Merion West published an opinion editorial written by Attorney General Carr which details some of his recent efforts on the issue of gang violence in Georgia:

Creation of the Georgia Anti-Gang Network to focus on the following areas:

Strengthening multi-jurisdictional investigations and prosecutions;

Improving intelligence-sharing capabilities;

Stopping recruitment; and

Increasing training efforts.

Creation of a Gang Unit within the Department of Law

Increasing Statewide Awareness on the Issue of Gang Violence

CLICK HERE to read the piece in full.

In July, Attorney General Carr announced the creation of the Georgia Anti-Gang Network. The platform will bring together local, state and federal partners to increase communication and information sharing, creating a more strategic response to gang activity in the state.The following entities have already pledged to be a part of the Georgia Anti-Gang Network, and we expect the network will continue to grow:

U.S. Attorney, BJay Pak – Northern District of Georgia

U.S. Attorney, Charlie Peeler – Middle District of Georgia

U.S. Attorney, Bobby Christine – Southern District of Georgia

Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia

Georgia Sheriffs’ Association

Fulton County Sheriff’s Office

Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police

Georgia Gang Investigators Association

Georgia Department of Corrections

Georgia Department of Community Supervision

Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

Georgia Bureau of Investigations

Cobb County District Attorney’s Office

Criminal Justice Coordinating Council