Gangs: Understanding What Counts in Silver Spring

In 2010, there were on average 40 active gangs in Montgomery County, according to the latest data available by Montgomery County Police Department. But "gang incidences" only made up 1 percent of overall county crime in 2009, and officials expect a similar trend for 2010 when crime data is finalized later this month.

The following is an exclusive interview with Montgomery County Police Special Investigations Deputy Director Lt. Dinesh R. Patil. Patil, who took over a top post in the criminal gang unit last August, offers a general look into gangs and gang crime on the county level.

This spring, Chief J. Thomas Manger will present the department's 2010 annual crime report to the Montgomery County Council Public Safety Committee.  

Patch: How many gang incidents were reported across all six Montgomery County police districts in 2010? How do the county’s districts compare in gang crime activity?

Deputy Director Lt. Dinesh R. Patil: There were 249 gang-related crimes in 2010. Typically, the 3rd District [Silver Spring] leads in the number of gang incidents, followed by the 4th District [Wheaton] and the 6th District, [Montgomery Village]. This is an ever-changing situation, but the 3rd, 4th and 6th districts typically have the higher number of incidents. We have recently deployed one team to work the 1st, 5th and 6th districts, and we believe the number of reported gang incidences will increase based on the geographical focus in those areas.

Patch: Approximately how many different gangs are known to be active in Montgomery County?

Patil: According to statistics available through the 3rd quarter of 2010, there were approximately 40 active gangs in 2010.

Patch: What does the profile of a gang look like? Are gang memberships based on ethnicity or race?

Patil: The profile or makeup of a gang depends on which gang you are looking at. A gang such as MS-13 is primarily based in the Central American membership. A gang such as the Bloods or Crips has historically been African American based. These are not completely hard and fast rules, as we have occasionally seen membership cross ethnic/race lines.

Patch: Are Montgomery County gangs primarily made up of African American- and Central American-based gangs or are there also Asian- and Caucasian-based gangs? If so, which are the largest gangs from either group?

Patil: There are [primarily] two things we deal with: One, more organized Latino gangs with much more structure and rules and a definite hierarchy of who holds what role. Two, street crews [gangs] with more of a neighborhood association who may or may not try to latch onto a national gang like the Crips or Bloods.

Patch: Which gang is the most notorious or fastest growing in the county? Who are some of the larger, more organized gangs? Where do these gangs typically congregate?

Patil: The most notable gang in Montgomery County is MS-13. Gangs are typically made up of younger people so their hangouts tend to be where young people hang out. This can include events that attract young people such as go-gos, shopping [malls], movie theaters, etc. This does not mean that these venues are unsafe per se, but are common areas for youth congregation.

Patch: Have you seen a trend in the level of gang crime or criminal gang behavior over the last few years?

Patil: The Criminal Street Gang Unit has observed several trends in the past two years. Although the unit is pleased with the sustained and decreasing statistics of gang membership and crime, the unit has noticed that gang-related crimes are more serious, more suspects are involved in each serious incident and the suspects seem to be younger than in years past. 

Patch: How do Montgomery County Police qualify a gang incident? If a gang member commits a crime, but it’s not a gang-on-gang crime, do police report it as a gang-related crime? For example, there was a multiple stabbing incident at Rockville SportsPlex in January. The stabbings were reportedly committed by gang members, but it was not considered a gang-on-gang crime. How would that incident qualify as a Montgomery County crime statistic?

Patil: The Montgomery County Police qualify a gang incident as one being directly related to gang-on-gang crime or a crime committed by gang members. We would view the incident at the SportsPlex as gang related, but not necessarily as gang motivated or gang-on-gang. Yes, it would be counted as a gang-related crime.

Patch: What is Montgomery County doing to combat gang crime?

Patil: Montgomery County takes a multifaceted approach to gang crime. There is the enforcement piece, which is primarily handled by the police and federal task forces; the prosecution piece handled by the Montgomery County State’s Attorney and United State Attorneys offices; intervention and prevention, which is supported by the Montgomery County Health and Human Services agency; and the county also includes the Department of Corrections in the overall strategy to address crimes.

On the enforcement side, there are several entities in place to investigate and enforce laws on gang members. The Montgomery County Police has fielded two teams within the county to combat crimes in Montgomery County with support of personnel from the Takoma Park Police and the FBI. Also, the Montgomery County Police are participating in a new Bi-County Task Force to address gang crimes along the Montgomery County/Prince George’s County border.

Montgomery County also participates in the ATF Rage Task Force, as well as the Homeland Security Investigations agency. This tiered approach involving local and federal agencies is successful in addressing gang issues on several fronts to include day-to-day enforcement and large-scale complex investigations.

Patch: At a Feb. 3 community meeting in Long Branch, Montgomery County Police Chief Manger said the Route 29 corridor was the highest crime area in 2010. Gang activity was said to have increased there. What is making this area so appealing to gangs and criminals?

Patil: The Route 29 corridor, including White Oak and the Castle Boulevard area, has seen an increase in serious crimes. The police reporting area of 380 in the Castle Boulevard area (police reporting area 380 includes all crimes within the boundaries of Briggs Chaney Road to Columbia Pike to Green Castle Road) have seen a series of violent crimes, including a homicide of a citizen in 2010. Analysis has shown that this area has more incidents of violent crimes than any other area of the county. There are many factors that affect the crime rate to include the density of the area, number of police deployed to the area and other factors.

Patch: What percentage of gang members arrested in Montgomery County is thought to be illegal aliens versus citizens?

Patil: We do not track which gang members are illegal aliens so we cannot provide a detailed answer to this question.

Patch: So, if a gang member, whether a self-identified gang member, known gang member or alleged gang member, is arrested for a non-violent crime, such as vandalism or burglary, or a crime that is not included on the list of 28 serious crimes, Montgomery County police would not check that person's legal status with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement?

Patil: That is correct, [including crimes such as] auto theft, felony drug distribution, first-degree assault (intention or completion of a serious physical injury like pointing a hand gun at someone, typically involving a weapon), second-degree assault — a beating.

Patch: Are gang members easily identifiable? What precautions should citizens take to avoid interaction with gang members?  

Patil: Gang members are usually identifiable to personnel trained in gang identification. Sometimes gang members are very overt in their appearance but often in an attempt to elude detection by law enforcement they do not show major indicia of gang membership.

As always, citizens should take general precautions for personal safety. We have not seen a targeted approach by gangs targeting the general citizenship with serious violence resulting in bodily harm, although it can happen. Gangs are known for committing a variety of crimes so standard precautions such as walking in well-lit areas, walking in multiples, etc., should be followed.