BY MIKE CETERA
The gang problem is overblown. Communities aren't doing enough to support their children. Gang busts don't decrease crime.
These are three of the conclusions formed in a new report by a Washington think tank. Some cops dismiss the report by the Justice Policy Institute, claiming it was written by "thug-huggers."
If we are to believe the report, all of the local gang busts in recent years have done little to improve public safety in Aurora. In fact, according to the study's authors, mass arrests and long prison terms actually strengthen gang ties and make angry young men even angrier.
From the study's press release:
“The current preoccupation with gangs is a distraction from very real problems of crime and violence that afflict too many communities,” says report co-author Kevin Pranis. “Gangs do not drive crime rates, and aggressive suppression tactics simply make the situation worse by alienating local residents and trapping youth in the criminal justice system. Our review of the research found no evidence that gang enforcement strategies have achieved meaningful reductions in violence, but ample proof that science-based social service interventions can curb delinquency.”
Violent crime rose 7.5 percent in Aurora last year, according to Aurora Police Department and FBI statistics. Does this prove the study's point? Aurora police brass are sure to disagree. But the better judges are perhaps residents living in neighborhoods affected by crime. Do you feel safer following the series of gang raids over the last several years?
I think one aspect of the study most folks around here will agree on is that we all need to do a better job at guiding our youth toward better educational and job opportunities.
Yes, totally agree with that report. Facts are facts. In fact, reporters, citizens, anyone who cares to hear the truth should call the Kane County Jail where the recent COLD CASE SUPSPECTS were thrown into situations with rival gang members!! Now the staff is scrambling to keep the peace AFTER they perpetrated the violence. These are SUSPECTS, why aggravate an already tense situation. Does the sherrif want them to destroy the old jail while waiting for the new pretty one to get finished?? People in authority need to grow up and learn their actions affect a lot of people more than their 'PRISONERS'.