With gang-related crimes trending upward across the metro region, Gwinnett Police are getting a new tool to help track gang members and their activities.

Chief Charles Walters got approval from the Board of Commissioners today to start using a computer system called GangNet^R to help collaborate and share information with local, state and federal agencies.

Butch Ayers of the Gwinnett Police said the system helps police gather information about gang members along with their relationships, vehicles and locations as well as symbols and tattoos to help police recognize and stop gang activity. Because it’s already used by many law enforcement agencies nationwide, it will allow Gwinnett police officers to track information on a national and even international scale.

“With gangs becoming increasingly mobile and destructive, this GangNet system gives our police a new tool as they work to prevent gang-related crimes and violence in our community,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Charles Bannister. He added that the County would use seized and forfeited drug money to pay for the system.

GangNet^R was developed by SRA International of Fairfax, Va., a firm that has served federal agencies for 27 years.