Drug and Gang Bureau
The Polk County Attorney’s Office Drug and Gang Bureau consists of six attorneys, three legal assistants and two secretaries. The Drug and Gang Bureau prosecutes the drug crimes committed in Polk County as well as the gang related crimes (crimes committed by gang members and crimes committed based on a gang related motive). Five of the lawyers handle the majority of the felony drug crimes and the sixth attorney handles primarily the misdemeanor and enhanced felony drug crimes. The lawyers assigned to this docket are on-call and available to assist law enforcement with matters such as charging decisions, legal questions, investigative suggestions and search warrants, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. A legal assistant is assigned to assist the felony drug attorneys. A legal assistant is assigned to the attorney who handles the misdemeanor and enhanced felony drug cases. The third legal assistant is assigned to assist with the civil forfeiture docket.
The Drug and Gang Bureau prosecutes the majority of the civil forfeitures in Polk County. Civil forfeiture involves the seizure and forfeiture of money and other property proven to be proceeds from criminal activity, used or intended to be used to facilitate criminal activity, or in some other manner substantially related to conduct giving rise to forfeiture as defined in Iowa Code section 809A.
Staff:
6 Attorneys
3 Legal Assistants
2 Legal Secretaries
Drug Activity Complaints (non-emergency)
City of Des Moines (515) 283-4830 - - - Des Moines Police Department Narcotics Control Section
Polk County and Metro Suburbs (515) 223-1400 - - - Crime-stoppers which forward all drug-related to the Mid Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force.
Drug-related Links:
State of Iowa - Division of Narcotics Enforcement
Facts on Gangs
What are Gangs?
Gangs are groups of people who form an allegiance for a common purpose and commit violent, unlawful or criminal activities. Today's street gangs may claim control over a certain territory in their community, and create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation there. Gangs are often involved with narcotics, which bring them a profit.
Who Joins Gangs?
Gang members generally range in age from 13-21 years old, but can be as young as 9 years old. Those who join gangs often have low self-esteem, feel unloved at home, do poorly in school, and have a hard time making decisions and communicating with others. Many come from single-parent homes. Most gang members are boys, but 10% of all gang members are girls and the number is growing.
Why do Kids Join Gangs?
Kids join for many reasons, and each case is individual. However, reasons include: excitement and fun, a sense of belonging, companionship, peer pressure, attention or status, financial gain, intimidation, protection, and a failure to realize what being in a gang means. Living in a gang-infested area or having a family member in a gang increases the possibility of a kid joining one.
What Risk Factors Lead to Gang Membership?
Among the risk factors are: a) lack of adequate community youth support systems and too much unsupervised time, b) poverty, c) lack of self-worth, d) poor decision-making and communication skills, e) domestic violence at home, f) media that glorifies violence, g) parent denial of a gang problem. Gang membership could also be considered a form of survival, if living in a gang-infested community.
What are the Dangers of Being in a Gang?
Gangs often have guns and drugs, exposing kids to the dangers of both. Members can be seriously hurt or killed during gang fights or criminal acts. Gang membership can also hamper education, since schools are viewed negatively by gangs. Extensive police records limit future employment opportunities. Families of gang members also face danger for their own safety from feuding gang members.
How Big is the Problem?
Many experts (and kids themselves) believe the gang problem is growing, with gangs networking across the U.S.A. rather than being confined to certain communities as in the past. And older gang members recruit younger ones to do their criminal acts, including drug trafficking and shootings. The average age of a shooter in a street gang is now 9-11 years old.
How Can You Help?
Stay informed, involved, and aware. Help your children choose to refuse gang membership by becoming more involved in their lives, by building their self-esteem at home, and by working to combat the gang problem in your community. See other web page for more tips as well as SIGNS OF POSSIBLE GANG INVOLVEMENT and HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN.