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The San Bernardino Countywide Gangs and Drugs Task Force is committed to a leadership role in advocating the prevention and suppression of gang membership and drug use throughout San Bernardino County through coordination, collaboration, and communication between education, law enforcement, the criminal justice system, elected officials, private enterprise, and community at-large.
Click on the image below to view our Public Service Announcement.
Margaret Hill - Chair |
Criminal gangs have become a widespread threat to communities throughout San Bernardino County. Once considered largely an urban phenomenon, gangs have increasingly emerged in smaller communities presenting a challenge that severely strain local resources All gang problems are local in nature. Whether rooted in neighborhoods, representing rites of passage, providing surrogate families, or access to economic opportunities, most gangs are inherently local. Even large-scale gangs with reputed nationwide networks attract local youth and take advantage of local opportunities to carry out gang activities. To have enduring success against gangs, we must address the personal, family, and community factors that cause young people to choose gangs over better and more productive alternatives. The problem is universally recognized, however, we cannot arrest our way out of gang violence crisis and that crime suppression effort must be linked to competent prevention, intervention, and community-stabilizing investment strategies. |
Sherman Garnett, Executive Director |
The immediate impact of gangs on neighborhoods affects the quality of life for all citizens. Many reasons are stated, however, it is clear the community can no longer live in denial. It is important that our responses are appropriate, proactive, and not reactionary. Addressing the problem of gangs has had a negative effect on our criminal justice system, education, and communities. The real focus must be on prevention and intervention where violence has made the greatest impact. How we collectively deal with this issue will define who we are as a society for years to come. Our mission is the commitment to a leadership role in advocating the prevention and suppression of gang membership and drug use throughout San Bernardino County through coordination, collaboration, and communication between education, law enforcement, the criminal justice system, elected officials, private enterprise, and community at-large. |