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Data shows more than 1,000 gangs in Florida, AG says

Staff file photo by MICHAEL SPOONEYBARGER (2006)

The most current data, compiled from 47 out of 67 counties, shows there are more than 1,000 gangs and 41,000 gang members in the state, state Attorney General Bill McCollum said.

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By RAY REYES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 19, 2009

TAMPA - With gang activity prevalent in Florida, agencies across the state must pool resources to make communities safer, Attorney General Bill McCollum said today at a summit of regional law enforcement leaders.

Such an initiative, the Gang Reduction Task Force, has been in place since 2007, but representatives of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the attorney general's office and the sheriff's offices of Hillsborough, Manatee and Clay counties met today to target gangs that are the biggest threats and to strengthen strategies to tackle the problem, McCollum said.

The most current data, compiled from 47 out of 67 counties, shows there are more than 1,000 gangs and 41,000 gang members in the state, McCollum said.

"It's discomforting, but not quite as bad as thought before," he said.

Data shows that at least one member of each gang is in a Florida prison, McCollum said.

Authorities discussed specific operations in a closed-door meeting from 1 to 3 p.m. today at the sheriff's office training center on Falkenburg Road.

"We're trying to organize an oversight committee, bring all the regions together and share resources and experience with others," Hillsborough Sheriff David Gee said.

Task force leaders also looked into launching additional education programs through schools, businesses, local YMCAs and the Boys and Girls Club to prevent youths from joining gangs.

Reporter Ray Reyes can be reached at (813) 259-7920.

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