The WEST SUBURBAN DIRECTED GANG ENFORCEMENT (WEDGE) Task Force’s 2011 Mission Report demonstrates the positive impact their efforts have waged against local gang related activities. 

The report, released through WEDGE Chairman and Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel, reflect the team’s activities this past year including assistance with:  109 felony and 59 misdemeanor arrests, the seizure of 11 illegal guns and the removal of over 2,500 pounds of narcotics hindering large-scale operations. 

Riverside Chief and WEDGE Chairman Thomas Weitzel stated, “The main goal of the Task Force is too effectively and positively impact and ultimately eliminate the effects of gang violence and gang related crimes perpetrated by gang members whose actions adversely affect and constitute a threat to the residents of WEDGE communities.”

Operating through an intergovernmental agreement, this elite group of men and women are able to offer valuable assistance to local law enforcement in their ability to focus on more complex, intelligence based, drug and gang investigations. Since their inception in 2007 they have accounted for over 300 felony and close to 400 misdemeanor arrests.

Most importantly the members of the task force (Berwyn, Brookfield, Cicero, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, North Riverside, Oak Park, Riverside, River Forest and Stickney) are sending a clear message – this type of behavior is not welcome in suburbia.