Toppenish Cracks Down on Gang Members
TOPPENISH -- What used to mean suspended sentences for graffiti and fights could now lead to mandatory jail time.
Safer streets in Toppenish mean a safer way of life for families everywhere. Gang activity is down by half this year over last year. But if you've lived in Toppenish a while, memories of the "bad days" are still fresh.
"It's been really heartbreaking to see a lot of kids getting caught up in the wrong influences," says Frank East, a local pastor.
Pastor East has walked the streets of Toppenish for 25 years. Like many folks, he's thrilled gang activity is down, but knows the work isn't over. City Hall shares his concerns. In an effort to stay ahead of the curve, Toppenish city leaders are tackling gangs as soon as they strike. From now on, any gang member who breaks the law will face a mandatory three months in jail or 500 dollar fine. The crime can be as small as tagging buildings or fighting in public to earn that jail time. Ultimately police will determine if gang activity was invloved. The goal is to stay one step ahead of gang bangers.
In the old days, gang members could be let off scot free for their crimes, but now Toppenish's municipal court will have a mandatory minimum sentence for anyone involved in gang activity.
"Unless there's consequences to the things (gang members) do, they're gonna continue going in the direction they're going," says Pastor East.
Safer streets in Toppenish mean a safer way of life for families everywhere. Gang activity is down by half this year over last year. But if you've lived in Toppenish a while, memories of the "bad days" are still fresh.
"It's been really heartbreaking to see a lot of kids getting caught up in the wrong influences," says Frank East, a local pastor.
Pastor East has walked the streets of Toppenish for 25 years. Like many folks, he's thrilled gang activity is down, but knows the work isn't over. City Hall shares his concerns. In an effort to stay ahead of the curve, Toppenish city leaders are tackling gangs as soon as they strike. From now on, any gang member who breaks the law will face a mandatory three months in jail or 500 dollar fine. The crime can be as small as tagging buildings or fighting in public to earn that jail time. Ultimately police will determine if gang activity was invloved. The goal is to stay one step ahead of gang bangers.
In the old days, gang members could be let off scot free for their crimes, but now Toppenish's municipal court will have a mandatory minimum sentence for anyone involved in gang activity.
"Unless there's consequences to the things (gang members) do, they're gonna continue going in the direction they're going," says Pastor East.
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