Gang Violence

By Joyce Dudley

Criminal gang behavior can not be tolerated. To stop gang violence and intimidation there must be a comprehensive approach, which should at a minimum, include: education, intervention, and incarceration.

Education - Age appropriate, anti-gang education must be made available to all residents of our county, in a variety of locations including: elementary schools, after school programs, and faith based programs. Additionally, children should be encouraged to embrace healthy alternatives to gang membership such as: music, art, athletics, crafts, writing, and community service activities.

Intervention - Should anti-community/gang activity occur, there must be individualized and swift intervention, with predictable, appropriate, and consistent consequences. Whenever possible the offender's family should be included in this intervention.

Incarceration - Those who participate in gang violence should be incarcerated for their criminal behavior; the length of their incarceration must be commensurate with the crime, as well as the individual's criminal history.