Reducing Gang Violence

By Helene Schneider

The current level of gang-related violence, especially among our youth, is unacceptable and creates fear and tension for residents and visitors. We must fight gang violence with a balanced combination of enforcement, intervention and prevention.

We must fight gang violence with a balanced combination of enforcement, intervention and prevention. Accomplishing this requires a coordinated effort between City departments, local district and County Schools, Probation & Sheriff's Departments, and a variety of social service agencies that focus on at-risk youth. The City and the Mayor's position in particular, can and should lead the way, serving as the "hub" where all stakeholders can coordinate their efforts.

First, we must ensure that our police department has the necessary staffing and tools required to fight crime and combat gang violence. Last October's "Operation Gator Roll," where over 400 law enforcement officers from 18 local, state and federal agencies cracked down on Eastside neighborhood gang activity, resulting in 28 federal indictments, is just one example. I have been a consistent advocate ensuring our sworn police force is fully staffed, even directing the department to over-hire when we know of upcoming vacancies.

The most effective way to reduce gang activity is to prevent it. One way to accomplish this is by strengthening the connections between City Hall and neighborhood groups. For example, by working with West Downtown neighborhood leaders, we've added street lights along a dark alley, conducted neighborhood clean-ups, enforced code violations and are including permanent street lights along with the upcoming bridge replacement project at Haley and De la Vina Streets. The good work happening here can be looked at as a model for other areas throughout the City.

Finally, we must focus our attention on our at-risk youth and provide opportunities that help them make healthy choices, away from gangs. There is no one method that will help every person; success requires working with their parents and figuring out each individual's needs. Options include job apprenticeships, after-school sports, mental health services, parenting classes, the arts, and academic tutoring.

Leadership from the next Mayor is imperative to sustain this broad-based regional effort over time, and this will be a top priority for me if elected.