Gang Legislation front and center in Short Session

This was a bill NASW-NC opposed in the Long Session in 2007 for the reasons cited. We will be working with advocates to again oppose this legislation. - Blog Editor Note

ANTI-GANG LEGISLATION: When the General Assembly begins its short session next week, lawmakers are expected to continue debate over legislation aimed at curbing gang-related crime. The measure would define the meaning of "street gang" and make it illegal to join. It would set harsher penalties for gang-related crimes and aims to keep people from joining gangs. Critics of the measure have taken issue with earlier versions, saying definitions of "gang" could include fraternities and other social groups. Others have said the bill focuses too much on enforcement and not enough on prevention -- or vice versa. Lawmakers from metropolitan areas like Charlotte, where angry residents have complained that not enough is being done to protect public safety, are expected to take special interest in the measure.
But support among legislative candidates appears mixed. Rep. Tricia Cotham, D-Mecklenburg, said the legislation is needed to combat North Carolina's growing gang problem. "In North Carolina and Mecklenburg County, we are in a crisis," said Cotham. "(Crime) affects all types of people. ... We need to get a handle on it, so we don't turn into an L.A. or Chicago." Her Democratic opponent in today's primary, Lloyd Scher, said the bill doesn't provide enough money for prevention. "The bill needs to be torn up and rewritten" to include better, more specific ideas about prevention, Scher said. Sen. Dan Clodfelter, D-Mecklenburg, said local officials have to contribute time and money for the legislation to work, but that the bill is a good first step. Vince Coscia, a Republican running against Clodfelter this year, said it's up to schools and parents to curb gang activity, and that more laws won't help. "It's just another thing in the books," he said. (Kirsten Valle, THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 5/05/08)