The Gang Intelligence Unit is responsible for the intelligence gathering, processing and dissemination of potential and actual gang members and their organizations.

The Douglasville Police Department started a Gang Unit as a proactive approach in light of increased activities in the Metro Atlanta area, and is instrumental in information-sharing with other law enforcement agencies.

The unit also tries to reach out to "at-risk youth" by sponsoring a 12-week Gang and Violence Prevention Camp, which aims at building confidence and providing positive experiences, in a safe environment. The program is taught by instructors from ExGRESS (Ex-Ganstas Reviewing Experiences Suffered in Surroundings). For more information, please contact Sgt. Ken Winklepleck.

The Gang Unit investigates all reports and incidents of gang activity, and actively corresponds with gang units of surrounding jurisdictions.

In 2007 the Gang Unit to create a pro-active program, called "Youth Against Violence". This program focuses on providing at risk youth with proper positive guidance and role models, as an alternative to joining gangs. It is also a partnership between the Gang unit and Art Powell, an ex-street gang member who was convicted and served time in the Georgia prison system. Powell founded "Ex-Gress", an organization with the goal of education and gang prevention for at risk youth. "Youth Against Violence" has been such a huge success that jparents sign up their children, and churches send referrals to intervene at an early age. In addition, juvenile offenders are often sentenced to attend the program through the local courts system. Drug funds are made available by Chief Whisenant in order to provide this training.

For more information on "Youth Against Violence" please contact the officers listed above.

Parents are also welcome to contact the Gang Intelligence Unit for danger signs to look for.