West Trenton, N.J.  – Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, today published the 2007 Street Gang Survey.  The document marks the third gang survey conducted by the New Jersey State Police in the past six years.  With each version, the questionnaire and survey administration methods have evolved and improved, but the original purpose of the NJSP Street Gang Survey has remained unchanged: to furnish policy makers and the general public with a better understanding of the environment in which today’s gangs operate.

“This survey provides important information on the growth of street gangs in New Jersey, including details about how the 14 most prevalent gangs have spread their membership and criminal activities into additional communities,” said Attorney General Milgram.  “Knowledge is power in the fight against gangs, because it enables us to target our law enforcement resources for maximum impact. As part of Governor Corzine’s plan to enhance intelligence-led investigations and prosecutions, I will be directing all law enforcement to move toward real-time reporting of data on gang activities and gun violence.”

“Although gang enforcement has become more effective and focused upon its criminal leadership, some gangs with statewide membership continue to ply their trade at the expense of public safety,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent and former supervisor of the Street Gang Unit. “Street gangs remain an priority of the State Police and the Governor’s Crime Plan.”

Although the 2007 survey collected detailed information about gangs from virtually every municipality in the state—562 in all—the true value of this year’s survey data lies in the broader perspective that can be gained by viewing New Jersey’s gang environment from a county, regional or statewide vantage point. 

This survey has been posted on the State Police website at www.njsp.org

2007 Street Gang Survey [7.8mb pdf]

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