Hispanic Leaders Give Thoughts on Solving Gang Violence

Jul 23, 2008 by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) Violent crimes committed by gang members in Salt Lake City were up five percent in 2007, according to a new report by the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification. Long time Hispanic activist John Florez says in order to stop the violence in Salt Lake City, the government needs to put public safety first.

"I think Mayor Becker needs to rethink his priorities. In any community, public safety has to be the top priority. We can talk about capital theaters, but if you don't have a building that's going to be able to help us be able to deliver police protection, we don't have a damn thing," says Florez.

Florez says in order to curb gang violence there needs to be less focus on treatment of individuals and more focus on suppression of crime. He is also in favor of stronger sanctions for first-time offenders.

Democratic Senator Ross Romero, who represents District 7 in Salt Lake City, says expanding educational opportunities for youth is another key to curbing gang violence.

"Education is key to this. Keeping these youth in the elementary schools, junior high, in high school, and on to college, is very much a part of the solution. But we also need to recognize that we need to have opportunities," says Romero. "If an individual doesn't see themselves having an opportunity for their future, then it is I think more easy for them to be enticed by a life of crime."

To listen to a longer conversation with John Florez and Senator Romero about solving gang violence in Salt Lake City, download a podcast of yesterday's Public Square.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW