New York gangs have expanded their territory to the outskirts of the area. Money transmittal businesses have become an emerging industry, contributing to the already existent money-laundering problem. Violent crime is heavily concentrated in a patchwork of neighborhoods where crime rates are among the nation's highest. Open-air cocaine, crack, and heroin transactions on street corners are an overpowering threat in both cities. A unified effort among law enforcement and prosecution agencies ensures a coordinated effort to reduce the impact of cocaine and heroin distribution within the region.
Coordinated activities extend throughout the State of Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey.
The administrative component, Regional Investigative Support Center, along with three enforcement Initiatives are located in the US Customs House in Center City Philadelphia. The RISC includes a Watch Center that provides real-time deconfliction on enforcement events, along with intelligence, analytical support to all Initiatives. As important are the intelligence fusion, case support, and strategic intelligence components of the RISC's Intelligence Center. The network includes a matrix of agency indices and software and accompanying hardware to fulfill the mission. The team will curtail activity in open-air drug markets and the importation of drugs through the Port of Camden.