Norwalk : Anti-Gang Efforts Reviewed

Although the level of gang activity has remained relatively stable in Norwalk for several years, authorities say the local gang scene is subtly changing with the arrival of a small number of black gang members from South-Central Los Angeles.

“Our problems are coming from South-Central,” Sgt. Al Grotefend of the Norwalk Sheriff’s Station told the City Council during a discussion of the city’s gang problems and possible prevention programs. He said there are eight active gangs in the city involving an estimated 2,500 members, most of whom are Latino. The three black gangs probably have fewer than 100 members, whose families moved to Norwalk in search of a quieter suburban setting or because they were uprooted by the Century Freeway construction. At the same time, Grotefend said roving gang members from Los Angeles are committing street robberies and selling drugs in Norwalk and then returning home.

Outlined by the city staff at a council work session this week, the anti-gang efforts would use community workers, off-duty sheriff’s officers and school programs to keep youngsters from joining gangs and to steer current members away from gangs. The programs, similar to other cities’, would cost about $200,000 a year. The topic probably will be scheduled for possible action at a regular council meeting at a later time.