After the Riots : NEWS IN BRIEF : GANGS : Illegal Acts at Truce Parties Denounced

Representatives of black gangs in Watts have denounced illegal acts which have occurred at parties celebrating a gang truce.

At a news conference this week, the gang members said former members of the Crips and Bloods--along with a private security force operated by the Nation of Islam--will police the gatherings until an agreement to ease tensions between gang members and police can be reached.

The Police Commission is considering a request from the Rev. Carl Washington that it investigate complaints that police officers have been harassing party-goers. Washington asked that a task force of police officers, former gang members and members of a ministers coalition be formed to ease hostilities. The commission is expected to respond next week.

The Crips and Bloods--the city’s two most notorious street gangs--have declared a truce and vowed to stop killing one another. The former rivals have held numerous “unity celebrations” throughout the Los Angeles area, some of which have resulted in public drunkenness, traffic violations and assaults.