Metro gang unit suspended indefinitely

Source: KARE 11

June 12, 2009

As summer sets in, police say gang members will spill out into neighborhoods across the Twin Cities.

But with the Metro Gang Strike Force under fire after accusations of document shredding and missing cars, Department of Public Safety officials say they wanted to make sure enforcement was covered at a time when gang activity traditionally goes up.

"The future of the metro gang strike force in its current structure remains more in doubt today than it did a few weeks ago," says Commissioner of Public Safety Michael Campion.

On Friday, following the advice of a review panel, public safety officials announced the strike force will remain suspended indefinitely pending the review panel and FBI investigation.

They also created a temporary gang unit to cover enforcement in the meantime.

"The recommendation was made to come up with a short term solution while we investigate the issues and the background relating to the strike force in the long term," says Andrew Luger who is heading the review panel

But the new gang unit will look much the same as its predecessor, comprised of some of the same law enforcement agencies.

Commissioner Michael Campion however insists this group will operate much differently, from a new location at the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to adopting BCA policies and procedures for evidence intake.

And while the agencies represented look familiar, personnel will be different.

"Paperwork and investigative documentation is basic police work. It needs to be done and it needs to be done right," says Campion.

In the meantime, investigators continue to probe the Metro Gang Strike Force but would not say anything about allegations they say will soon be public.

"It's a broad range of allegations coming from a broad range of people," says Luger.

Public safety officials say the new gang unit should be fully staffed and operational in the next ten days and will be in operation through at least the end of the summer and likely longer.

While about 30 officers were part of the Metro Gang Strike Force, public safety officials say the new, temporary gang unit will be comprised of 10 to 12 investigators.