It is both perception and reality that gangs, and the violence associated with them, have been increasing recently. This week I want to offer a few perspectives on the phenomenon of gangs and what we are doing about it.
Gangs are generally defined as a group of three or more individuals with specific identifiers who associate for the purpose of criminal activity. Last year, the Washington State Legislature passed a comprehensive gang bill that included a number of elements, including enhancements to penalties for certain crimes if they occur for the furtherance of a gang, and additional tools for prosecutors. One of the key components is the facilitation of a gang database which can be accessed and used across the state.
A statewide database for gang members is a more significant tool than you might think. Gangs flourish in an atmosphere of fragmented law enforcement and poor communication. The better police and sheriff’s departments communicate, the better they can track and respond to gang activity and crime.
The shooting of a 26 year-old in Federal Way, in what was apparently a gang-related murder, is an example of how intelligence and databases can assist agencies in aggressively investigating these crimes. The descriptions, tattoos and vehicles involved could be coordinated and suspects located much more quickly.
Here’s the rub: Who goes into the database and how do we ensure that peripheral or loosely associated members are not incorrectly included, possibly leading to a self-fulfilling dynamic in which a young person who is not a committed and criminal gang member, becomes one?
The database criteria and expectations have been clearly defined in state law, but in Kent we also are working with community groups to make sure we are on the same page while also meeting both the spirit and the letter of the law. As we work to aggressively deal with crimes committed by anyone associated with a gang, we are also part of the community-wide effort to provide positive options for those who are at the periphery and can still choose to live constructively and lawfully.
Our department has added gang intelligence and follow up as a specific task for our beefed-up Special Investigations Unit, which used to be called ProAct. SIU now has responsibility for gang follow up, vice issues, and narcotics. We also are members of a regional intelligence group which tracks and responds to regional crime, as well as a regional gang task force through the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Forearms. The purpose of these associations is for us to be better prepared to prevent, investigate and respond to gang trends and activities. It is apparent to everyone that these are highly mobile groups who do not confine their activity to a particular city or area, and the effects are seen in all of our communities.
On the prevention side, Kent’s Weed and Seed program is just starting up and will focus on providing those needed options and mentoring for young people. One important lesson learned everywhere is that enforcement alone is not the answer—the community absolutely must be involved in building strong and healthy families and kids for the long term.
Finally, we use the word “families” on purpose. At the end of the day, families drive the activities and choices made by young people. We should not be afraid to be specific about what behaviors are, and are not acceptable within our families. Strong parenting and acceptance of responsibility is what will really make a difference.
Community programs and law enforcement will never be anywhere close to the importance and value of parents and boundaries for kids. We need to say that out loud, and the community can provide both the support and expectations that families accept that responsibility. This message is even part of the current Presidential campaign.
While you read and hear about some of the alarming and disturbing stories of young people making dangerous and deadly choices, step back and look at the big picture. Talk about it in your family and be frank about your perceptions and attitudes. Finally, start to think about what you can do specifically to change it.
Have a good week.
Steve Strachan is Kent’s chief of police. Contact him at sstrachan@ci.kent.wa.us, or at 253-856-5800.
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