Cooperating to Control Gangs

In the recent editorial “Nipping the Gangs in the Bud” (July 5), The Times pointed out that while the gangs in Orange County are not as bad as in other urban areas, they are bad enough. This is quite true and it gives us the unique opportunity to do something about the problem, if we follow through on the statewide strategy for controling gangs as proposed by the Governor’s Office of Criminal Justice Planning.

Gangs are a long-term phenomenon and require a long-term concerted effort to reduce, change or eliminate them. This effort requires cooperation among police, the district attorney, courts, Probation Department, education and community-based groups.

The only way to make a true reduction in gang activities is to attack the problem on three levels: suppression of the gang violence of hard-core members, redirection of the “hangers on” who are not yet firmly involved in the gang culture, and prevention of the younger members who are constantly being recruited to the supposed glamour of gang life.

Orange County is fortunate to have received grants from the Office of Criminal Justice Planning for the district attorney, Probation Department, Department of Education and two community-based organizations: Turning Point and Vietnamese Community Center. In cooperation with law enforcement and the courts, we have the coordinated program in Orange County that can make the difference. We in the Probation Department are committed to the effort to make the county a safer place to live.

MICHAEL SCHUMACHER

Chief Probation Officer

County of Orange