The Stamford Chief of Police says he has a message that couldn?t be any clearer. He warned Tuesday that his force is going to gang up on gang members.

Police say gang-related violence has spiked in the city. Last week, a shootout between members of the Crips and the Bloods left two wounded. At a news conference Tuesday, police revealed details of the undercover operation, Clean Sweep, which has enabled officers to finger 27 narcotics dealers believed to be gang members. Overall, police say they have identified 172 gang members and eight gangs in Stamford. The operation also yielded three arrests and plans are in the works to serve other suspects with papers.

The U.S. Attorney's office is also working with the police to crack the codes in gang graffiti. The city has seen increased walking patrols and police say a resurgence of traffic stops is becoming an important tool in helping police.