Taunton
The following provides a general overview of the 2009 Taunton CSI effort (as described in their application for grant funds).PROBLEM:
Experiencing regional gang problems from other cities that have caused conflicts with Taunton area community street gangs.
Youth substance abuse issues are becoming more prevalent.
A steering committee will be formed to coordinate efforts.
1. Utilize Shannon CSI funds to support three officers attending monthly southeast regional gang network meetings and will also attend the Bristol County District Attorney's Office Regional meeting which includes Shannon Communities Fall River, and New Bedford.
2. The Taunton PD has begun a clergy ride along program to provide outreach to youth at risk as identified by the SRO, Taunton Youth Court, etc.
3. Norton PD will train an officer to implement gang awareness training in public schools and to monitor after-school activities and directed patrols. Norton PD will utilize directed patrols where after school activities and community activities increase the need for such support. These directed patrols will be done by marked cruisers and, as weather allows, bicycles.
4. Attleboro PD will fund an advocate to supervise the Attleboro Youth Center after-school program. Officers will also be trained on and then present gang awareness trainings in public schools.
5. Attleboro PD will also institute directed patrols on Friday and Saturday nights for areas that have a high incident of citizen complaints regarding youth congregating throughout the City.
1. Hire four part-time outreach workers who will work to identify high-risk and gang-involved youth as well as staff community and teen centers.
2. Implement two sessions for young women to avoid, address, and cope with peer violence and substance abuse issues.
3. Support the general operation of a teen center serving Taunton.
Providing gang awareness programs at public schools.
Set up video surveillance of a public park which was an identified gang hangout.