Anti-Gang Recruitment Measure Headed to Senate

[PapaSkin]

Police in Santa Maria are keeping a close eye on what could be a potent new tool to fight gangs: a measure that goes after gang bangers trying to lure youngsters into criminal careers that are usually short and violent.The measure makes it a federal crime to recruit a gang member and police believe it could make a dent on the estimated 2,000 here in Santa Maria and 730,000 members nationwide.Santa Maria Police call the federal anti-gang legislation the tool that has enough teeth for them to help neighborhoods take back the streets from gang members."We don't have a California state law or any provisions for recruitment," says Santa Maria Police Lieutenant Larry Ralston. "We do have it for participating in a gang in the furtherance of a crime. So if we can get them right at the beginning of it, that's a great way of trying to deter."If this bill becomes law, recruiting an illegal gang member could put you away in a federal prison for up to ten years, and up to 20 if it involves a juvenile or a prison inmate.Vincent Welch, a former skinhead member, also believes this provision is strong enough to make some people think twice."Nobody wants to get convicted of a felony, especially those who already have been convicted of felonies," says Welch. "Another felony, they're gonna do a lot of time."Over the next five years, a billion dollars would be spent for gang enforcement, prevention and for intervention programs. Welch says, if this federal action is not enough of a wake-up call, he has a message for those attracted to the lifestyle he once led:"Don't! 'Cause you're just a walking dead man," says Welch. "They're just using you for cannon fodder, man. They're using you to make money for themselves. You'll get nothing -- maybe a bullet, a knife in the back."A similar anti-gang violence bill never made it to the Senate floor for action last year. But with a few modifications and bipartisan support, lawmakers are optimistic it will become law this time around.The measure will go before the Judiciary Committee for approval. A date for that has not been set. If it passes that hurdle, the entire Senate will vote on the matter.In addition to Senator Dianne Feinstein from California, the Anti-Gang Recruitment Measure is co-sponsored by 19 other senators.

More... (http://66.128.51.164/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=504)

[Loathe]

Police in Santa Maria are keeping a close eye on what could be a potent new tool to fight gangs: a measure that goes after gang bangers trying to lure youngsters into criminal careers that are usually short and violent.The measure makes it a federal crime to recruit a gang member and police believe it could make a dent on the estimated 2,000 here in Santa Maria and 730,000 members nationwide.Santa Maria Police call the federal anti-gang legislation the tool that has enough teeth for them to help neighborhoods take back the streets from gang members."We don't have a California state law or any provisions for recruitment," says Santa Maria Police Lieutenant Larry Ralston. "We do have it for participating in a gang in the furtherance of a crime. So if we can get them right at the beginning of it, that's a great way of trying to deter."If this bill becomes law, recruiting an illegal gang member could put you away in a federal prison for up to ten years, and up to 20 if it involves a juvenile or a prison inmate.Vincent Welch, a former skinhead member, also believes this provision is strong enough to make some people think twice."Nobody wants to get convicted of a felony, especially those who already have been convicted of felonies," says Welch. "Another felony, they're gonna do a lot of time."Over the next five years, a billion dollars would be spent for gang enforcement, prevention and for intervention programs. Welch says, if this federal action is not enough of a wake-up call, he has a message for those attracted to the lifestyle he once led:"Don't! 'Cause you're just a walking dead man," says Welch. "They're just using you for cannon fodder, man. They're using you to make money for themselves. You'll get nothing -- maybe a bullet, a knife in the back."A similar anti-gang violence bill never made it to the Senate floor for action last year. But with a few modifications and bipartisan support, lawmakers are optimistic it will become law this time around.The measure will go before the Judiciary Committee for approval. A date for that has not been set. If it passes that hurdle, the entire Senate will vote on the matter.In addition to Senator Dianne Feinstein from California, the Anti-Gang Recruitment Measure is co-sponsored by 19 other senators.

More... (http://66.128.51.164/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=504)

Jesus, they don't see how easily this law is going to be abused?