Durham Herald Sun
DURHAM, N.C. -- The gang unit of the Durham Police Department was honored for outstanding leadership during a recent meeting of the N.C. Gang Investigators Association in Charlotte.
Capt. S.M. Mihaich, who leads the Special Operations Division’s gang unit, praised the unit’s officers for their efforts.
“These officers have worked very hard, and I am proud of the work they have done,” he said.
The award recognizes the unit for its “leadership and knowledge pertaining to gangs in the State of North Carolina.”
“Staying the course and doing the right thing is not always popular or readily accepted when it comes to gangs and their activity,” the award continues. “The NCGIA commends you for your dedication, persistence and being a forerunner in specializing in gangs. Most important, your efforts have made North Carolina safer for law enforcement and for our citizens.”
Police Chief Steve Chalmers formed the gang unit four years ago when he was a major with the Police Department. The unit now includes two 10-officer teams focusing on enforcement, education and gang intelligence.
“Our gang officers have taken the lead in educating members of the community and other law enforcement officers about gangs,” Chalmers said. “These officers have also developed extensive gang intelligence and willingly share this information with other law enforcement agencies ? We have taken such a stand that officers from throughout North Carolina and adjoining states often request that our gang officers teach classes about gangs and gang activity.”