Schmerber states that staying on top of this type of criminal activities is important in order to tackle any problems that may arise from illegal gang activity.

Schmerber recognizes that criminal gang activity is scarce in our community. “But law enforcement must be attentive to any measures that assist in eliminating such threat before it does occur,” stated Schmerber.

According to Schmerber the department is cognizant of the thin line that juveniles walk when dealing with organized criminal organizations, as seen in the past.  

Organized criminal organizations often prey on teens with ties to gangs. They’re then used in illegal activities including the selling and transport of drugs and human trafficking.

“They entice them with money and tell them that they will not be prosecuted because of their age if caught. That is very misleading,” concluded Schmerber.

Back in September 2011, two male juveniles involved with illegal criminal activities were kidnapped and tortured in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. They were then thrown next to the Rio Grande river on the U.S. side of the border.