Local law enforcement agencies work together to combat gang activity

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – The Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office gathered earlier this week with other local law enforcement agencies to share insights on gang intelligence.

This meeting was part of their quarterly discussions aimed at developing strategies to reduce gang activity in Muscogee and surrounding counties.

A significant amount of sensitive information was exchanged during the meeting. Lt. Jeremy Hattaway of the Muscogee County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of cooperation, stating that “having a relationship with other agencies helps gather information that will assist in pursuing a prosecution.”

Earlier this week, the Western Region of the Georgia Gang Investigation Association also met for their quarterly meeting to discuss gang intelligence.

“We share this because these gangs that we know of are not limited to just the city or just to counties, but spread throughout the state of Georgia as well as other states and jurisdictions,” Lt. Hattaway said.

Hattaway noted that one of the most important insights from their discussions was gaining a clearer understanding of how different gangs operate both locally and in other states.

“What started as an investigation in their jurisdiction leads to firearms investigations in Alabama, Tennessee and South Carolina. We see a lot of different types of crimes and schemes,” he explained.

We also spoke with Leon Meares, a Phoenix City resident who works in Columbus. He believes that while gang activity is declining, tackling gang violence starts at home.

“If children don’t get the love and nourishment they want from their parents at home, they find it on the streets. It is the love given to them that makes them feel safe,” said Meares.

Hattaway further explained that building solid business takes time.

“We would much rather have enough evidence to build a solid case rather than make a quick arrest. The problem is that if we catch them without the right evidence, these guys will be back on the streets in a short time. We don’t want that. Arresting someone and putting them in jail for 24 hours just to put them back on the streets is a disservice to the community,” he said.

He added that their combined efforts span multiple agencies, as far as Coweta County, about an hour north of Columbus.