Harris County turns to courts to fight gang violence

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Harris County authorities are once again using the court of law to cut down on gang-related crime in one of Houston's most notorious neighborhoods.

On Monday morning, the Harris County Attorney's office conducted a gang trial in civil court. The focus was the East Aldine Safety Zone. The zone is the area that surrounds Haverstock Hills Apartments, a complex that in past years has been plagued with gang violence.

There were 47 named gang members who were defendants. One of the them, Brandon Forbes, actually showed up in court.

When asked if he believed he was part of the gang problem, Forbes answered, "Yea I do but one thing I'm not is a Blood. Even though I might have infiltrated the Bloods, I'm not a Blood."

Nonetheless, Forbes agreed to sign a court document that forbids him from traversing in the East Aldine area.

"I don't go to Haverstock now, but I might get caught traveling down the road," said Forbes. "I got family members over there."

Assistant County Attorney Celena Vinson says the strategy has worked well since it began in 2009. Many gang members have stayed away from the area after court orders were issued. But it is something that needs to be pursued on a regular basis.

"They continually trespass, which takes resources from law enforcement, causes problems for people who didn't want them on their property," said Vinson. "Our evidence shows (Forbes) did go there, and he wouldn't be included if he didn't."