About the Street Crimes Unit
The Street Crimes Unit investigates and prosecutes individuals and organizations involved in the trafficking of narcotics in Albany County. The Street Crimes Unit investigates street level distribution and conducts long term investigations into suspected criminal narcotics organizations. The Street Crimes Unit is also responsible for investigating and prosecuting individuals who possess and sell illegal handguns in Albany County. Formerly the Drug Unit, this Bureau was created to consolidate the prosecution of gangs, guns and drugs – as they are often related
The Street Crimes Unit has:
- Shifted the strategy of street crime prosecutions to go “up the food chain” to hold people accountable by attacking the criminal enterprise, and interrupting supply lines
- Increased sophisticated long term special operations
- Greater access to treatment for substance abusers –Drug Court and Veterans Court
- Implemented Operation Speeding Bullet – to allow for expedited prosecution of firearm possession cases
- Changed the way gun crimes are prosecuted - if you possess an illegal firearm in Albany County you will go to State Prison
- Created greater involvement from the community in the Safe Home/ Safe Streets program, which has led to several evictions of narcotics dealers in Albany
- Implemented the Trespass Affidavit program empowering property owners to care for their homes
- Organized several Landlord/ Tenant trainings
- Cultivated relationships with local state and federal law enforcement agencies through increased information sharing: