By Derrill Holly, The Associated Press
Washington (AP) -- An organization of law enforcement officials warned Tuesday that funding cuts for anti-gang initiatives could could lead to increased violence across the nation.
The Washington-based group, Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, cited research indicating that federal spending on anti-gang initiatives has been reduced by 44 percent since 2002, even as gang related homicides increased.
“From 1999 to 2002 the number jumped from 692 to 1,100, that’s more than 50 percent” said Sanford Newman, president of the nonprofit group. Many of the 2,500 members of the organization are police chiefs, sheriffs and district attorneys.
“If you live in America, gangs are coming to a neighborhood near you,” said Newman.
The organization produced a report entitled “Caught in the Crossfire: Arresting Gang Violence by Investing in Kids.” It outlines methods of reducing gang violence by offering alternatives.
They include intensive supervision of young people with histories of gang involvement and aggressive prosecution of subsequent violent acts; enhanced social services; and youth programs geared toward younger children.
“Serious violent criminals need to be locked up,” said Chief William Bratton of the Los Angeles Police Department, adding that long range success will only come if the pipelines delivering new kids to gangs can be shut off.
Acting Chief Suzanne G. Devlin of the Fairfax County, Va., Police Department cited a Department of Justice National Youth Gang Survey that showed more than 40 percent of suburban counties and 12 percent of rural areas have reported gang activity. Devlin’s officers recently arrested a known gang member for a machete attack on a teenager, and are continuing the search for others involved the case.
According to Newman, the federal government spent $547 million last year on juvenile delinquency prevention grants. That compares to $307 million for the 12 month period ending Sept. 30. The Bush Administration has proposed spending $180 million on such programs in the upcoming budget year.
“Every American has a stake in investing in the proven programs that have been shown to keep kids out of gangs,” Newman said.