Bid launched to rid southwestern Illinois of gangs
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. - Illinois State Police are teaming with local police in an effort to curb gang and drug-related activity in southwestern Illinois communities.
The Belleville News-Democrat reports the Metro East Police Assistance Team comprised of 13 state troopers and local officers has a goal of ridding East St. Louis, Brooklyn, Alorton and Washington Park of gangs.
State Police Lt. Timothy Tyler says the initiative will attempt to discourage children from joining gangs.
Tyler said the effort will be less about arrests than about preventing the growth of gangs.
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