As Temperature Rises, So Does Gang Violence

This summer, city streets across America are heating up along with an increase in gang violence. This past weekend in Chicago, 54 people were shot, with 10 reportedly losing their lives. The violent crime wave spanned nearly 10 hours, claiming victims as young as one year old. In the aftermath of the violence, Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis attributed more than half of the shootings to local gangs.

Chicago is no stranger to violent crime waves. In April, 41 people were shot, with four killed, in just 50 hours. Unfortunately, the surge of gang violence is not specific to Chicago. In recent years, cities around the country have experienced a spike in violent behavior as a result of renewed gang rivalries, population growth and budget cuts. The economic recession has forced police departments throughout the U.S. to make cuts, which only exacerbates the problem. In a city like Santa Ana in Orange County, California, police officers are drastically outnumbered with 362 officers trying to contain 5,000 documented gang members. In this simple equation, the side with the greater numbers wins. Look at the situation in Juarez, Mexico where gang conflicts have taken more than 4,000 lives since 2006.

In areas where poverty is highly concentrated, the threat of gang violence increases exponentially. These gangs exist mainly for the purpose of making money. For many, the allure of gang life is intoxicating. Who wouldn't want power, money and the admiration of others? When a person in poverty is invited into a network of people with an excess amount of material wealth, it can be difficult to refuse. As non-profits such as the anti-gang Homeboy Industries are forced to lay off a bulk of their workforce, more and more urban children are left unprotected from the magnetism of "thug life."

To reduce the impact of local gangs, officials have suggested the allocation of resources to programs that support alternative summer activities. However, as more state and federal programs receive cuts, it will likely be local charitable organizations that will have the responsibility of providing alternative activities. Both community organizations and law enforcement officials will have to work together if we have any hope of reclaiming our urban streets. The fight against gangs "goes beyond our police department and enforcement and arrests," Santa Ana Councilwoman Michele Martinez said. "That's not going to solve our gang problem. It starts at home and in the community."

Photo credit: aeu04117