SPECIAL REPORT-Analysis from the National Council on Crime and Delinquency
This report requirs your attention because it could be your community next. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everwhere."
I have attached the full report.
The Gang Abatement and Prevention Act of 2007 (S.
456) was introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein in January,
2007, and subsequently passed the following October.
Its companion bill, the Gang Prevention, Intervention,
and Suppression Act (H.R. 3547), sponsored by Rep.
Adam Schiff, has been introduced in the House. The
bills expand the current penal code regarding criminal
street gangs, resulting in an over-reaching defi nition of
both gangs and gang-related crimes. Additionally, they
create an entirely new section of penalties pertaining to
gang crimes, increasing the enhanced-sentences that are
already in place. Both bills are referred to as the “Gang
Abatement Act” in this text. However, distinction will
be made between the Senate and House versions when
they differ signifi cantly.
Sen. Feinstein’s and Rep. Schiff ’s legislation respond to
an assumed rise in gang violence. The bills’ provisions
call for suppression-heavy strategies, increasing punishments
for gang crimes, and expanding the types of
crimes that can be categorized as such. Years of research
and evaluation have shown that these types of suppression
strategies are not the solution to the gang problem.
Yet, these bills propose more than $1 billion in duplicative
suppression, prosecution, and incarceration of
“gangs” and “gang members,” leaving little money for
community-based prevention and intervention programs
that have been proven to work. Rep. Schiff ’s bill has been
cosponsored by 25 fellow legislators. However, 8 have
withdrawn their support due to concerns of disproportionate
effects the legislation will have on youth of
color, which will be discussed at length.
I have attached the full report.
The Gang Abatement and Prevention Act of 2007 (S.
456) was introduced by Sen. Dianne Feinstein in January,
2007, and subsequently passed the following October.
Its companion bill, the Gang Prevention, Intervention,
and Suppression Act (H.R. 3547), sponsored by Rep.
Adam Schiff, has been introduced in the House. The
bills expand the current penal code regarding criminal
street gangs, resulting in an over-reaching defi nition of
both gangs and gang-related crimes. Additionally, they
create an entirely new section of penalties pertaining to
gang crimes, increasing the enhanced-sentences that are
already in place. Both bills are referred to as the “Gang
Abatement Act” in this text. However, distinction will
be made between the Senate and House versions when
they differ signifi cantly.
Sen. Feinstein’s and Rep. Schiff ’s legislation respond to
an assumed rise in gang violence. The bills’ provisions
call for suppression-heavy strategies, increasing punishments
for gang crimes, and expanding the types of
crimes that can be categorized as such. Years of research
and evaluation have shown that these types of suppression
strategies are not the solution to the gang problem.
Yet, these bills propose more than $1 billion in duplicative
suppression, prosecution, and incarceration of
“gangs” and “gang members,” leaving little money for
community-based prevention and intervention programs
that have been proven to work. Rep. Schiff ’s bill has been
cosponsored by 25 fellow legislators. However, 8 have
withdrawn their support due to concerns of disproportionate
effects the legislation will have on youth of
color, which will be discussed at length.
About
The Gathering’s Mission
The mission of The Gathering is to build an Intergenerational, movement, rooted in history, cultures and non-violent direct action to heal communities, build collective strength and generate an environment of hope and opportunity.
Civil rights and social justice organizations have come to understand that collective action on a national basis is required to stop child incarceration and challenge the immoral process which perpetuates an unjust justice system. These groups are working under extremely difficult circumstances and many of them with little or no resources. The Gathering is a national movement that creates a coordinated space to 1) fortify relationships between regional groups, 2) support local endeavors and 3) enhance the ongoing organizing of non-violent direct action training. Central to its mission is strengthening our moral environment.
- “a project of tides center” -
"The Gathering" is a project of Tides Center 501c3
Civil rights and social justice organizations have come to understand that collective action on a national basis is required to stop child incarceration and challenge the immoral process which perpetuates an unjust justice system. These groups are working under extremely difficult circumstances and many of them with little or no resources. The Gathering is a national movement that creates a coordinated space to 1) fortify relationships between regional groups, 2) support local endeavors and 3) enhance the ongoing organizing of non-violent direct action training. Central to its mission is strengthening our moral environment.
- “a project of tides center” -
"The Gathering" is a project of Tides Center 501c3
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