NCJ Number
138916
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 40 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1992) Pages: 67-70
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the Gilroy Police Department's (California) award-winning Gang Suppression Program, which has mobilized the entire community to work with the police in countering gangs; it can easily be implemented in similar towns across the Nation.
Abstract
Prior to the implementation of the program, Gilroy experienced a range of gang activity, from graffiti to assaults and driveby shootings. The police effort to counter gang affiliation and lawbreaking involved contacts with all types of community organizations to inform them about the gang problem and how various types of community action could help prevent and address the problem. In response to the police challenge and program suggestions, community organizations held a drug-free dance that attracted the whole spectrum of youth. Two Chambers of Commerce developed an "Adopt a School" program, which involves business persons in one-on-one contacts with youth to acquaint youth with the lifestyles of various business men and women. In cooperation with the Drug Abuse Council, the police are planning a Hispanic Cultural Awareness Day to inform parents with high- risk kids of the gang problems. Businesses have cooperated with the police in the development of a graffiti-removal program, and the city's main newspaper regularly carries front-page stories on the police department and community efforts against gangs. Police teach a 12-week DARE program in the city's eight elementary schools. The program has been modified to teach children not only how to resist the pressure to use drugs but also the pressure to join gangs. The police conduct workshops on parenting skills, and visit the homes of gang members to explain to parents and the youth the possible consequences of involvement in gang activity.