A surge of gang violence in northeast Denver, including several fatal shootings, frustrates a retired police gang unit lieutenant who battled Crips, Bloods and various other gangs more than 30 years ago.
“The gangs haven’t changed,” said Lou Lopez, 83, who retired from the “Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Unit” of the in 1984.
Lopez met Saturday with officials from the to contribute assorted materials — including photographs, charts, artwork and diagrams — revolving around Denver gangs from the late 1970s to mid-1980s.
After leaving the department, Lopez worked for 10 years as a security expert with Denver Public Schools. His DPS service included writing a manual: “Gangs in Denver.”
The manual was used by DPS teachers, staffers and parents of students to identify and recognize trends — including clothing, graffiti, slang and hand signs — in hopes of sparking dialogue and ultimately reversing gang influence.
“Did I impact a lot of students? Yeah, I think I did,” Lopez said of steering some kids away from gangs.
As for curbing gangs and gang violence today, Lopez said it will take continual, coordinated efforts by police, schools and communities.
“All of us have obligations to what takes place,” Lopez said. “We have to be contributors to stem off what’s happening.”
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822, knicholson@denverpost.com or twitter.com/kierannicholson
