OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Boozman Calls for Gang Prosecutions

Press Release

Date: June 6, 2007
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Criminal Justice


Boozman Calls for Gang Prosecutions

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today announced his support of legislation to crack down on gangs with increased prosecutions, penalties and deterrence, by co-sponsoring H.R. 880, "The Gang Deterrence and Community Protection Act of 2007."

The legislation, offered by Rep. Randy Forbes (R-VA) is a comprehensive bill to increase gang prosecutions and prevent gang-related crimes by authorizing increased federal funding to support law enforcement efforts against violent gangs, including the sharing of intelligence among agencies and increased technology and training to identify and prosecute violent gangs.

"There are three-quarters of a million gang members terrorizing our communities across the nation," Boozman said. "While some may think it is only a problem affecting big cities, gangs have infiltrated and infected rural areas and small towns across America. We must do everything we can to stem the tide of gang membership by letting gangs know we will prosecute them for their crimes."

The Act creates new criminal gang prosecution offenses, while enhancing penalties to current gang a violent crimes. Additionally, the legislation proposes to reform the federal juvenile justice system to authorize prosecution of 16 and 17 year old gang members who commit violent crimes, while increasing penalties for the use of firearms in crimes of violence or drug trafficking.

In co-sponsoring H.R. 880, Rep. Boozman continues his dedicated work in combating gangs and drugs in the Third District. In May, Boozman introduced legislation which greatly increases penalties on manufacturers of candy-flavored methamphetamines and other illegal drugs designed to target children.

Within the last year, Boozman hosted a special anti-gang summit in Springdale and participated in an additional anti-gang seminar in Rogers to provide school and community leaders, as well as law enforcement, with tools and training to recognize, prevent and suppress gang activity.


Source
arrow_upward