TPD Launches Anti-Gang Website WWW.TAMPABAYGANGS.COM
The Tampa Police Department has a two-pronged approach to gangs –Enforcement and Education. The Gang Suppression Unit conducts regular attacks on gang activity throughout Tampa. Recently the department launched its education component on the war against gangs with a state of the art, interactive, English and Spanish website that targets children 10-16 years old. Our goal is to reach our children before the gangs do. The technology is called WAHI which stands for web automated human interaction. This technology creates the feeling of conversation by custom tailoring responses to each audience member. Buccaneer Warrick Dunn kicks off the video. His presence will help get kids interested in the website. The site is designed to appeal to kids who may have glamorized gangs in their minds. On the site, a convicted gang member talks to the kids and prompts them to answer questions. Through this two-way communication we deliver a subtle, but strong anti-gang message. The website also targets the parents and teachers of children who are interested in gangs. There is also a branch for business owners or community members who may be affected by gangs. We kicked off the campaign with our billboard and bus unveilings. Twenty-seven billboards, 30 bus advertisements, television PSA’s and newspaper advertising will spread the word about this website. A Department of Justice grant called Targeting Violent Crime Initiative funded the website. Generous donations from CBS Outdoor, Lamar, St. Petersburg Times Newspapers in Education, HDR multimedia, Warrick Dunn and Brighthouse Networks made this project possible. Mayor Pam Iorio and Retired Chief Hogue along with Tampa Bay Gangs sponsors unveil one of the new billboards. One of the 30 donated bus ads.
