NCJ Number
125609
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 38 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1990) Pages: 66-68
Date Published
1990
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A program established by the police department of Austin (Texas) and concerned citizens in 1989 has successfully involved juveniles, their parents, churches, and community-based organizations in an effort to reduce gang violence and graffiti.
Abstract
Drive-by shootings by gangs in east Austin became frequent from December 1988 to 1989. The gang diversion program, Citizens Helping Austin Neighborhood Gang Environment (CHANGE), encouraged gangs to call a truce among themselves long enough to meet and discuss their differences. So far CHANGE has sponsored six successful meetings in which up to four gangs have met without a disturbance. Gang members file charges, appear as witnesses, and sign statements if they have been victimized instead of resorting to violence. The program has promoted understanding among different groups, and gang members and police officers have been surprised to learn that many of the issues causing anger were based on unfounded rumors. The amount of graffiti has also decreased. The city council has added $240,000 in unsolicited funds to support the program. Photographs.