Gang Violence Prevention

SHERIFF GLODIS ANNOUNCES GANG VIOLENCE PREVENTION POSITION West Boylston – Responding to a request from the Worcester Police Department and other municipal departments, Sheriff Guy Glodis announced today the creation of a full-time gang violence prevention officer at the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.  The new position will focus primarily on identification of gang members and inter-agency information sharing. “One of the greatest threats to the jail, and to Worcester County as a whole, is the overwhelming presence of gangs,” Sheriff Glodis stated.  “They are a primary source of inmate and street violence and drug distribution, and must be dealt with firmly.” Working in partnership with local police departments, the officer will assist Sheriff’s Office investigators to identify and classify gang-related activity both within the House of Correction and upon an inmate’s release.   The officer will likewise work in tandem with state public safety officials to track dangerous gang members, notify other correctional facilities of their history, and focus post-incarceration resources on relevant gang violence prevention.   Sheriff Glodis continued: “The existence of gangs is a scourge upon society.  But by addressing the problem during incarceration, I believe we take a giant leap towards protecting the citizens of Worcester County from falling victim to future crimes.” Over the last two months, Sheriff Glodis has likewise expanded the Sheriff’s Office partnership role with the New England State Police Information Network.  This collaboration enables both the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and NESPIN to share gang intelligence regionally, nationally and internationally. After three months in office, the new Sheriff has also forged a strong partnership with the Central MA Law Enforcement Council (CEMLEC), and the Central MA Regional Drug and Counter Crime Task Force.