Gang Legislation Update: The Senate moved today toward strengthening North Carolina anti-gang laws while also boosting gang prevention programs. The Senate Rules Committee advanced legislation that would toughen penalties for people who commit crimes as part of their affiliation with a gang. The Senate's anti-gang legislation defines a street gang as any group of three or more people who have a common name or symbol and conduct felony offenses or delinquent acts.
The measure makes coercing or soliciting a minor under the age of 16 to join a gang a low-grade felony punishable by up to roughly two years in prison. The panel also approved a bill that directs county Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils to work on gang prevention programs.
Both the anti-gang and the prevention measures head next to the full Senate. If approved, the anti-gang measure will be sent back to the House, which has approved a different version of the plan. The prevention bill goes to the House.
Wednesday May 21st
As I prepare for the trip and news conference in Raleigh tomorrow with Mayors and Police Chiefs from cross the state, I want to urge you to contact your state representatives tomorrow (Wednesday) about the need to pass meaningful gang legislation this summer and add resources to the state criminal justice system to back up the work of our police officers.
I want you to know about a way Charlotteans can be involved in helping to address a key facet of crime, which is gang activity. There will be a Gang Legislation Action Day on Wednesday, May 21st to let state lawmakers know citizens across the state want action on passing tough and meaningful anti-gang measures. We also need to communicate that we want more resources and support for the state criminal justice system (DA's, Courts, and prison space to back up the police).
I hope you will participate in the Gang Legislation Action Day (and encourage others in your neighborhood and on your email lists) by undertaking a "virtual roadtrip" to Raleigh through emails and phone calls to our local State Legislators and Officials.
I got some very disappointing news yesterday. (View Letter) The Governor's budget recommends less money than last year for the State Criminal Justice System and State legislators have asked for even more cuts from the Judicial branch. This makes our work all the more important …. and also harder. We made some inroads last year with state funding and now I would hate to see us take two steps backwards since we are still so far behind with the support needed for the state criminal justice system.
Thanks for your continued efforts to stay engaged on issues in Charlotte! Also, thanks in advance for participating in the Virtual Caravan to Raleigh for Public Safety 2008 on Wednesday, May 21st. Information about State Leaders and General Assembly members can be found at http://www.ncleg.net/. (Click here to e-mail all local State Legislators and Officials)
- Mayor Pat McCrory