Which Way, L.A.?
Gang Violence, Police and Public Money
Even the LAPD agrees that law enforcement alone can’t rid the city of 700 gangs with 40,000 members, but this year’s bare bones budget will fund more cops even if that means cutting everything else. Anti-gang programs are scattered over a dozen departments with no clear mandate for goals or objectives. In the wake of the gunfight that terrified an area north of downtown last week, we’ll ask about the likelihood of improvement. On Reporter’s Notebook, is foster care a refuge or prison for juveniles?
By Warren Olney • • 30m ListenEven the LAPD agrees that law enforcement alone can’t rid the city of 700 gangs with 40,000 members, but this year’s bare bones budget will fund more cops even if that means cutting everything else. Anti-gang programs are scattered over a dozen departments with no clear mandate for goals or objectives. In the wake of the gunfight that terrified an area north of downtown last week, we’ll ask about the likelihood of improvement. On Reporter’s Notebook, is foster care a refuge or prison for juveniles?
In this episode
2 storiesCity Faces Budget Crunch and Expensive Gang Problem
Between Echo Park and Eagle Rock last week, several schools were locked down into the evening while the LAPD shot it out with reputed members of the Avenues street gang. Yesterday, 19 alleged gang members were picked up in North Hollywood in a sweep involving some 200 officers.
Read the story17 minMemoir of L.A. Foster Care
Andrew Bridge was taken from his mentally ill mother at the age of 7. After that, it was LA County’s MacLaren Children’s Center and foster homes.
Read the story8 min
