Inspector Bruce Townley, leader of the Durham Region Anti Violence Strategy (DRAVIS), said it's commonly assumed that gang influence is spreading from Toronto to Durham. That's why it is essential the Durham police service work with the community to counter the spread of crime, he said.
"Sooner or later we're going to see more of a problem," Insp. Townley said. "These people are migrating into our area.
"Gangsters, like other criminals, will go where there's less resistance."
Durham cops are reluctant to cite numbers in discussing gang infiltration. But a report to regional council in the fall of 2006 identified 32 gangs of varying size and influence across the region, with those based in Pickering and Ajax most closely associated with the notorious criminal organizations based in Toronto.
The Criminal Code defines a gang as an association of three or more individuals engaged in criminal enterprise; that definition could encompass anything from the Hells Angels to the Crips to a bunch of neighbourhood kids.
It is the goal of DRAVIS to both combat existing criminal groups and prevent them from strengthening footholds here in Durham and recruiting new young members, Insp. Townley said.
To do that, the new unit is focusing on two methods of operation, the first being a guns and gangs rapid response team that will investigate gang-related crimes.
In addition, Durham police are trying to engage the community in the fight. Officers with the unit will literally be knocking on doors in neighbourhoods, introducing themselves and their mission and seeking assistance and information from residents.
Intelligence that's already been gathered will help cops concentrate on areas most at risk of gang activity, Insp. Townley said. The goal, he said, is to target gang members and activity and clamp down before violence erupts.
"A five-minute door knock could save weeks of work down the road," he said.
Another member of the team, Staff Sergeant Joe Maiorano, said engaging the public will be essential to the success of the program, which ultimately will be measured in lower crime rates as opposed to arrests.
"Community involvement is critical," he said.
"At the end of the day it's about having an impact on the community -- building trust, building relationships."
The 32-member team is funded by more than $500,000 in provincial money dedicated to countering gang violence.
Members of the public can provide information to the DRAVIS program by calling 905-721-4262 or e-mailing dravis@drps.ca.
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