Press Releases
Girgenti Measures to Help Fight Gang Violence Become Law
October 12, 2007
TRENTON – Two measures sponsored by Senator John A. Girgenti, Chairman of the Senate Law, Public Safety and Veterans’ Affairs Committee, to address gang violence with minors became law today.
“We must join in the collaborative efforts of those on the front lines who are fighting every day for safer streets and schools,” said Senator Girgenti, D-Bergen and Passaic. “Early intervention is the key to gaining the upper hand on gangs in New Jersey.”
Senator Girgenti noted that both measures were approved after a comprehensive review in his committee.
“Gangs are no longer just an urban issue,” said Senator Girgenti. “Today suburban and rural areas are experiencing a strong increase in gang violence. In order to stop gangs and protect the citizens of New Jersey we need a comprehensive plan that includes assistance from the Departments of Labor, Education and Law and Public Safety. Only when we can provide alternatives to joining gangs can we begin to win the war against them.”
The first enacted bill, S-1748, requires the Attorney General, in coordination with the Commissioner of Education, to develop seminars to teach educators to spot signs of gang activity and student involvement in gangs. The new law also requires that a seminar on gang awareness be held annually in each county for all public and nonpublic school administrators.
“We can no longer sit back and simply allow gang members to recruit our children. We need to be able to spot the warning signs of gang membership early on in the hopes of rescuing our youth from the clutches of the gang lifestyles,” said Senator Girgenti.
The second enacted bill, S-2010, would combat gang violence by working to find more employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth by requiring the Disadvantaged Youth Employment Opportunities Council to report directly to the State Employment and Training Center (SETC). It also adds three members to the Council – the Executive Director of the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education and two representatives of county vocational-technical schools.
Senator Girgenti stated that although the new law only provides a small amount of funding he hopes that this will be a first step towards keeping children out of gangs. I also hope that we can see more of a financial commitment to this and other similar programs in the future, added Senator Girgenti.
“The mission of the SETC blends well with the Disadvantaged Youth Employment Opportunities Council. By having them work together, we can expand the jobs available to young people by providing new training opportunities,” said Senator Girgenti, “The key to combating street gangs is to provide our young people with economic and social alternatives to criminal activities. We must lead them down the path towards a responsible adult life.”