Milwaukee hosts an anti-gang summit this week. The two day conference brings together law enforcement, social services and others for a comprhensive look at the status of anti-gang efforts – both prosecution and prevention. John Manning with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District, said gangs are primarily engaged in two criminal actvities: armed robbery and drug trafficking. “The vast majority of gangs are engaged in some level of drug trafficking,whether it be cocaine or marijuana or heroin.”
Manning said it’s important for the public to know that local state and federal law enforcement agencies are working with each other and with various social service agencies and community organizations, to come up with a comprehensive approach to deal with gang membership and gang violence. “A lot of the comprehensive efforts by law enforcement over the last five or so years, with very large gang takedowns . . . I think that’s brought it to the (public’s) attention that there is a problem there, but hopefully some sense that law enforcment is working very hard to remedy that problem.” Approximately 750 people are expected to attend the summit today and Wednesday.