DPS Estimates At Least 100,000 Texans Involved In Gangs
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DALLAS (1080 KRLD) - An estimated 100,000 people are involved in gangs, according to a new Texas DPS report.
The Gang Threat Assessment is done each year - and the 2015 version says the biggest organization is the one called Tango Blast.
For the first time, the report includes the Cossacks Motorcycle Club as well as the Bandidos, the Aryan Brotherhood and the Bloods and Crips.
"Because of their propensity for violence and close associations with ruthless Mexican cartels, gangs are a serious threat to public safety in Texas. Our residents have a right to live free from fear and crime, and DPS remains steadfast in our mission to identify, dismantle and disrupt these criminal organizations," said DPS Director Steven McCraw.
According to the DPS report, the 'Tier 1 gangs' in Texas for 2015 are: Tango Blast and Tango cliques (estimated 15,000 members), Texas Syndicate (3,400 members), Texas Mexican Mafia (4,700 members), Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) (800 members), and Latin Kings (2,100 members).
DPS estimates that of the gang members in prison, more than 60 percent are serving a sentence for violent crimes, including robbery, homicide, and assault/terroristic threat.
Read the full 2015 Texas Gang Threat Assessment
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