A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to increase its efforts to educate the public about gangs.

WHEREAS, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, gang members commit approximately 373,000 violent crimes each year; and

WHEREAS, a 2001 survey of law enforcement agencies provides evidence that 100% of all cities with a population of over 250,000 have problems with criminal gang activity; and

WHEREAS, a report from the National Youth Gang Center indicates that there are more than 24,500 active gangs in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Police Department Specialized Investigations Division's Gang Unit works to combat gang activity in Nashville; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Police Department was recently awarded a $256,000 grant extension from the U.S. Department of Justice for the gang resistance education and training (GREAT) program, which helps enable police officers to provide educational programs in the schools about the dangers associated with joining a street gang and to discourage youth from participating in gang activity; and

WHEREAS, although the GREAT program is a worthwhile and effective tool for reaching children about the dangers associated with gangs, additional efforts should be made by the Police Department to provide information to citizens of all ages about gangs and gang activity in Nashville.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to increase its efforts to educate the public about gangs.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Police Chief Ronal Serpas.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Brenda Gilmore