Police Commissioner Andrew Coster says a national gang unit will lead to a reduction in the number of gang members, which is currently estimated at about 9000.
He says the new unit of 25 to 30 staff support district-based staff to plan and coordinate around enforcement and police responses to apply pressure on gangs and prevent gang-related crime, disruption and intimidation.
“We’ll also be investing in new gang disruption units. These will be dedicated district teams to help identify, target and catch priority offenders and maintain a focused view of the gang environment,” Mr Coster says.
Commissioner Coster says the regional disrupter teams will each have about seven officers, with units combining to conduct joint operations at mass gang gatherings like tangi and sports events.
