Springfield police say they are actively monitoring gang-type activity in an effort to prevent problems before they happen.
Police Chief Robert Williams says the effort is complicated because most Springfield gangs are what he calls “hybrid” gangs, with a very loose structure and shifting alliances.
But he says when police get an indication of trouble, the Street Crimes Unit more closely watches the activities and movements of known trouble-makers and seeks to intervene before bloodshed breaks out.
He made his comments for our weekend "Podium" program.
