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Anti-Gang Initiatives On The Increase

By Dave Lucas

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-909625.mp3

Albany, NY – Lawmakers have been moving ahead on federal, state and local levels to counter gang violence: community leaders in Albany are looking into creating anti-gang laws and implementing prevention measures to steer youth in a positive direction. Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas reports.

Last week, US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced a new legislative agenda to combat gang activity, noting that New York State's gang population may run as high as 50-thousand. This week, the state Assembly passed anti-gang legislation and a measure was introduced in the Senate: the"Criminal Street Gang Enforcement and Prevention Act". Albany Common Councilman Anton Konev has brought a proposal before the city's Public Safety Committee: an ordinance targeting gang recruitment. Konev has introduced another proposal calling for the imposition of a "youth curfew" - which the councilman believes would not only discourage young gang members from assembling, but would be a major crime deterrent in downtown and student neighborhoods. Brother Yusef Burgess is the Family Intervention Specialist for the all-boys Green Tech Charter High School in Albany. He is sounding the alarm that gang recruitment and retention may be getting a boost thanks to the state's fiscal dilemma. When it comes to curtailing gang activity, Burgess is a proponent of prevention: he favors programs and job services directed toward youth. Councilman Konev adds that "positive enforcement" can help steer young people in the right direction. Konev thinks a citywide curfew would also deter gang-inspired graffiti... he expressed confidence that the council can work with Albany's new police chief.