Cracking Down on Florida's Gang Problem

Over the past several years, gang violence has increased in our state and has become a serious threat to our neighborhoods, children, and safety. Last year, I worked closely with the Florida Legislature to significantly strengthen our anti-gang laws, giving prosecutors better tools to fight criminal gangs.

Since the law went into effect, we are seeing a substantial difference in the cases my Office of Statewide Prosecution has brought against gang members. One of the most notable successes is currently developing in Manatee County. To date, 14 members of the Third Shift gang, a violent narcotics trafficking gang, have been sentenced to prison terms for criminal gang activities, and yesterday one of those members was sentenced to 25 years in prison. In West Palm Beach, my office has obtained 25-year sentences for two members of the Top 6 gang, and is currently prosecuting several other members as well.

The law enforcement and prosecution component of our statewide gang reduction strategy is only part of the solution. Communities, parents and educators need to band together to help prevent these gangs from recruiting our children as members. Our task is far from complete and only with cooperation will we truly shift the tide. More information about the strategy and the regional gang reduction task forces is available online at http://www.safeflorida.net.