Griffo joins Senate in taking action to destroy violent street gangs

ALBANY – State Senator Joseph Griffo announced today that the New York State Senate has passed proposed legislation that would help crack down on the rise of gang violence across New York.

As rising gang activity continues to spread drugs and violence throughout the urban and suburban neighborhoods of New York State, the Senate proposed the “Criminal Street Gang Enforcement and Prevention Act” to better prosecute gang violence and stop gang recruitment through proactive community outreach, Senator Griffo said.

“There is no single solution that can defeat the violent gangs that inflict terror and tragedy on so many of the communities across New York State,” said Senator Griffo, R-Rome. “While severe penalties will keep more gang members behind bars and off the streets, our neighborhoods will never be rid of gang activity until we fundamentally change the culture and mindset that allows our youths to find gangs acceptable in the first place. This legislation passed in the Senate would attempt to destroy gangs on many fronts, by strengthening our laws to break up this activity, getting gang members to quit before it’s too late, and helping our children realize that joining a gang is a dangerous gamble that can only bring death and destruction.”

Senator Griffo added, “By uniting behind the firm message that gang activity will not be tolerated by those who care about their families and our neighborhoods, I believe we can finally begin to turn around this tragic trend of violence.”

This anti-gang bill – S2410, sponsored by Senator Martin Golden, R-Brooklyn – would achieve the following:

LEGALLY DEFINES GANG ACTIVITY: For the first time ever, this legislation would legally define criminal street gangs in New York’s penal law, giving prosecutors more options when charging offenders. Classifying and identifying this type of criminal activity will also help law enforcement better track gangs. Penalties would be increased and new felonies created for individuals who benefit from gang activity, participate in gang activity, and recruit youth or adults to participate in gang activities.

GANG PREVENTION FUND: A new Criminal Street Gang Prevention Fund would be established to support violence prevention and gang crime deterrence services provided by not-for-profit organizations. The measure would be funded partially through forfeited assets obtained following convictions for gang activity.

EDUCATING YOUTHS: In addition, schools would consult with the state Division Criminal Justice Services to implement a model curriculum focused on gang violence prevention. This will help educators interact in a positive manner with children and their parents to assist in developing positive values, self-esteem, knowledge, and skills that can lead to productive, gang-free, and drug-free lives.

This bill will now be referred to the Assembly, where it is sponsored by Assemblyman Joseph Lentol, D-North Brooklyn.

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