Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. Delivers Remarks at Announcement of New Violent Crime Initiative in Houston

“This new violent crime initiative, led by the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS), will surge the tools and resources we use to investigate and prosecute violent crime nationally and apply those tools to gangs who are terrorizing communities here in Houston,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

Millard House, Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District, delivers opening remarks from press conference at Yates High School.

“If we work together to battle the problem, we can make a difference,” said U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery of the Southern District of Texas. "This is our community, too, and we want to do all we can to make sure everyone feels safe here in Houston.”

“What I like about this initiative is we're not just touching the criminals, we’re touching and trying to help those who want the help.” - Chief Troy Skinner of the Houston Police Department

“Our goal is to share information across the spectrum and to make sure we are all working together to identify and stop the threats by arresting the individuals behind the most egregious crimes.” - Special Agent in Charge James Smith of the FBI Houston Field Office

“We're going to use every resource available to make sure that we're dismantling gangs, that we are dismantling criminal networks, and that's important- and that's something that we're going to continue to do.” -Sheriff Ed Gonzalez of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office

“ATF and our partners will use the crime gun intelligence along with other law enforcement techniques to build RICO and VICAR cases against some of those violent gangs and crews in the metro area.” -Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski

“… BJA funds local efforts to prevent and reduce violent crime in communities by supporting comprehensive evidence-based violence intervention and prevention programs, including efforts to address gang and gun violence… This is a critical priority for the community and for BJA.”- Associate Deputy Director Cornelia Sigworth