"The biggest problem with statistics is that [police] chiefs are pressured not to report gang activities," said Dan Korem, a consultant on gangs who spotted the trend early, saw it ebb somewhat, but has watched with alarm as a next wave has washed in. "Politicians and communities don't want the stigma of being known as 'the suburban gang capital.'"
Below is Terrence's note, and the full article.
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The current article below reflects a lot of what we Easton and surrounding communities are dealing with in terms of open air drug markets and the relationship to gangs. I know Bergen County extremely well, (the focus of the article) for half my family lives there! I'm impressed with the content because it clearly supports what we have been discussing particularly in the context of gang culture and the inadequacy of law enforcement and punitive measures: "Gangs are cultures. You're never going to eliminate a sinister culture with law enforcement, correctional facilities or schools. None of them have the resources to go into the community and deal with the causes and conditions that create gangs."
Having spent time with gang members I know this first hand and of course through sound research. I'd encourage you to read the article. I will pass it along to my colleagues throughout the region and my contacts in the surrounding Townships.
Your neighbor,
Terrence
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