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Anti-Gang Task Force Zeros In On Prevention

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 30, 2008

TAMPA - Educational and work programs could divert youngsters from joining gangs, as could a greater focus on neighborhood and community involvement, according to recommendations released today from an anti-gang summit.

State Attorney General Bill McCollum said the recommendations came as a result of last month's Gang Reduction Strategy Summit.

"At the end of the day, gangs cannot continue to exist if we can keep our youth from joining these criminal organizations," he said today in a statement. "We need to reduce and eventually stop the growth of gangs before we can declare a victory for our state, and education and prevention will be key factors in that effort."

Each of Florida's 67 counties has at least one gang member in state prison, but there is no statewide law enforcement strategy to reduce gang activity, McCollum said last month. Without a plan, he said, gang activity will worsen and become a bigger threat to Floridians.

Florida has identified about 1,500 gangs and 70,000 to 80,000 gang members within the state, McCollum said.

Last week, McCollum and several lawmakers announced anti-gang legislation to be included in this year's legislative session. The proposed bill includes stronger sentences for crimes committed by gang members.

McCollum recognizes that although he wants to be tough on active gang members, slowing and ultimately stopping the growth of gangs in Florida will depend largely on educating and rehabilitating former members, the release states.

"We want a big part of the strategy to be about kids never joining gangs to start with," said Emery Gainey, who heads the state's gang reduction strategy.

Many communities and organizations provide services to help youngsters, but better coordination is necessary throughout the state, Gainey said

December's anti-gang summit consisted of six groups targeting intervention; suppression and deterrence; community resources, infrastructure and implementation; prosecution and criminal justice system enhancements; rehabilitation and re-entry; and risk-based prevention.

About 100 people attended the summit, including community activists and law enforcement agents.

The summit's full recommendations are available at www.safeflorida.net/safestreets.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691.

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