Gang Deterrence. Blog #7

     An important aspect of criminal deterrence involves being proactive on gang deterrence.  The Feinstein-Hatch-Schumer Gang Abatement and Prevention Act of 2007 includes more than $1 billion over the next five years for Federal, State and local law enforcement efforts against violent gangs, for witness protection programs, and services geared toward gang prevention.  This bill will enable the hiring of more prosecutors, staff and technology needed to bring cases against gang members.  The “Gang Elimination Act of 2007” estimates that there are over 800,000 gang members in the United States.  These numbers represents a larger army than all six countries combined. 

     The new legislation prohibits gangs from recruiting minors. However, police agencies feel the Gang Deterrence and Community Prevention Act is unlikely to deter gangs and protect the community.  They believe the legislation focuses more on stereo types of gangs, rather than empirical evidence.

     In November of 2008, ATF opened the gang deterrence in Northern, VA.  ATF Acting Director Michael Sullivan stated, “Coordination has brought us success in the past, and can yield even more in the future”.  The new center ensures that two different gang deterrence unit will be working together under one roof to accomplish the same goal of dismantling violent gangs throughout the United States. Personnel from ATF, FBI, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, the National Drug Intelligence Center, the Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with Gang Squad prosecutors from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, will staff the facility.  Director Michael Sullivan stated, “We are bringing all of our expertise to the table.”  A positive outlook brings positive results.  We need to keep our youth from falling into the destructive life of “gang culture.”

Work Cited

Gang Research. Gang deterrence and community protection act. http://www.gangresearch.net/GangResearch/Policy/gangsinpolitics_files/gangdetbill/gangdet05.htm

Jearim, K. (2008). ATF: Gang deterrence center opens in northern Va. http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1997314/posts