Gang Deterrence Center Opens for Business in Northern Virginia

“Though ordinary Americans will never see these offices in person, the results of the work we do here will be visible in their communities.” —Michael Sullivan

February 25, 2008

ATF added another weapon to its gang-fighting arsenal Nov. 28 with the formal opening of a new facility in Northern Virginia that will house 80 intelligence analysts, agents, prosecutors and support personnel — all from different agencies — and all working together to investigate and dismantle the most violent gangs in the United States.

“Coordination has brought us success in the past, and can yield even more in the future,” said ATF Acting Director Michael Sullivan, speaking during the formal opening of the new facility.

The new site brings together two separate gang deterrence units — the National Gang Intelligence Center (established by Congress in 2005) and the National Gang Targeting, Enforcement and Coordination Center, or GangTECC (created by the attorney general in 2006.)

Both units will now be under one roof, working together to assist local, state, tribal and federal investigators and prosecutors with gang-related investigations.

The facility will be staffed by personnel from ATF, FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, the National Drug Intelligence Center, the Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with Gang Squad prosecutors from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

“We’re bringing our expertise to the table,” Sullivan noted, “and contributing to the efforts against violent gangs that threaten the quality of life in our communities.”

U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey, at podium, at the Nov. 28 formal opening of a new facility in Northern Virginia housing the National Gang Intelligence Center and the National Gang Targeting, Enforcement and Coordination Center. Representing their organizations at the opening ceremony were, from left: Alice Fisher, assistant attorney general, DOJ Criminal Division; Charles E. Samuels, deputy director, Federal Bureau of Prisons; Brian Beckwith, deputy director, U.S. Marshals Service; Michelle Leonhart, acting administrator, DEA; Michael Sullivan, acting director, ATF; Craig Morford, acting deputy attorney general; Robert Mueller, director, FBI; and Julie Myers, assistant secretary, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Photo courtesy of DOJ

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