Caught in the Crossfire: Arresting Long Island Gang Violence By Investing in Kids

There are three proven steps that can reduce gang-related homicides, violence, and crime. The first step is to build on the successful model followed in three cities: Boston, Philadelphia, and Baton Rouge. These cities created collaborations of law enforcement, street mentors, and community leaders to intervene and steer their most dangerous youths away from violence and back into school or a job. The next step is to provide proven programs to help families keep other seriously delinquent youths from joining gangs and ending up in prison. Finally, it is crucial to reach at-risk kids as early as possible to ensure they never become criminals in the first place.