SAVANNA-LA-MAR, Westmoreland–The controversy over the alleged existence of a gang in the Twelve Street community continued this week with head of the crime division at the Westmoreland Police Division, acting Deputy Superintendent of Police Paul Simms insisting that the police have intelligence to prove their allegation.

Speaking at a meeting with Twelve Street residents in that community Monday, DSP Simms said that for a group to be classified as a gang there must be:

* consist three or more members in a group;

* have a structure and organisation in place, meaning a leader and followers;

*must have a common objective to commit criminal acts;

* be in existence for three or more months; and

* have to be competing violently with rival groups.

The meeting was attended by a strong contingent of the Westmoreland police hierarchy, a political representative, scores of Twelve Street residents and other stakehopders , including representaves the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other government agencies.

But Pastor Oniel Russell of the Mount Sinai Church in Waterworks challenged

DSP Simms claim that the Twelve Street Gang was in rivalry with the Tivoli Gang based at the upper section of Darling Street, Savanna-la-Mar, and was also involved involved in extortion, breakings and a spate of robbery committed in the parish.

” I reject his claim. He has to come with the evidence that these guys going out and committing crimes and return to the community he must bring that evidence to us. Additionally I did my research and discovered that Cooke Street men and the men at Darling Street are friends,” Russell told the Observer West.

(DSP Simms) also said three of the gang members have surrendered to the police since last week. They are Delbert Foster also called Popsie who was wanted for murder; and brothers Robert Boreland and David Wilson, who were wanted for illegal possession of firearm and shooting with intent.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Dezeita Taylor, commander of the Westmoreland Police Division in response to the resident’s claim of being harassed by the police, promised to present them with with information of their rights at a soon -to-be convened meeting.