Dyer says the weapons, along with cash and drugs, are examples of how gang activity is surging as criminals become more confident.
"A little more powerful. A little more emboldened, a little more in control. Simply because they do believe we have a crippled criminal justice system and that if they do get caught they won't do much time. That's a terrible message for them"
Dyer says because of strains on the justice system his officers will be more selective in who they arrest and will focus on gang leaders.
Dyer also says because local courts are backlogged he hopes to use the federal courts to get more gang members prosecuted.
