Countywide : 4 Cities Renew Anti-Gang Program

Four South County cities have renewed their membership in a Probation Department program designed to fight gang activity.

Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, Laguna Hills and San Juan Capistrano will pay the county a total of $71,000 for the services of a probation officer who monitors juvenile offenders on probation and works with the Sheriff’s Department on gang suppression programs.

The officer also carries out court-ordered searches of juveniles on probation, makes sure they go to school or have jobs and helps organize gang awareness seminars for parents.

Officials said the program has proven effective.

Other cities, including Anaheim, Orange, Mission Viejo and Lake Forest also work with the Probation Department on similar programs.