ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (June 11, 2013) -- Recognizing the signs of potential gang activity is essential to ensuring military personnel and facilities remain safe, U.S. Army officials said.
Cpl. Joe Pompilii of the Maryland State Police briefed the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command's protection committee June 6 on gang activity.
Chuck Banfi of RDECOM's protection office encourages all employees to learn how to identify the indicators of gang activity at work or home.
"No segment of our society or location, including military installations, is exempt from the presence or influence of gangs," Banfi said. "Considering that the majority of our workforce lives off post in the surrounding areas, it is important that they know what threats are in their communities."
Pompilii discussed the gang presence in Aberdeen and Edgewood, as well as large cities on the East and West coasts. Banfi said that while the MSP has not detected gangs on APG, it is important to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity.
"Gang members are encouraged to join the military and law enforcement agencies to acquire tactical knowledge that they can then share with their gang members back home," Banfi said. "That does not mean or imply that there is a gang presence on APG.
"However, if there are gang members frequenting the installation, knowing how to identify them and reporting their presence and activity will assist the MSP and Army law enforcement."
Banfi said the protection of RDECOM personnel and assets from threats is crucial to the command's mission. RDECOM's protection program encompasses antiterrorism, force protection and emergency management.
For more information on the RDECOM protection program, contact Banfi at (410) 306-2312 or charles.d.banfi.civ@mail.mil.
--
RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. AMC is the Army's premier provider of materiel readiness -- technology, acquisition support, materiel development, logistics power projection, and sustainment -- to the total force, across the spectrum of joint military operations. If a Soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it, eats it or communicates with it, AMC provides it.
Social Sharing