Gang Violence on the Rise Again
Even before the riots of 1992, street gangs were commonplace in Los Angeles. So were drug dealing and violent crime, including gang killings. After the riots, several gangs signed treaties, which held for several years. Although the gangs did not go away, with economic recovery and better anti-gang programs, violence began to decline. Now, over the last five years, gang murders have increased 50 to 60 percent. The economy, the return of parolees from prison and the Rampart scandal are just parts of the reason. We discuss causes and cures with Father Greg Boyle, whose ministry has often been with gangs, an LAPD spokesman, a former gang member, and LA City Councilman Ed Reyes whose 1st District includes much of LA's central city and Eastside.