The Sheriff's Office (SCSO) presented an overview of what county government is doing to address gang related issues in Snohomish County at a recent meeting of the Snohomish County Council Law & Justice/Human Services Committee.  Committee Chair Dave Gossett had requested the briefing after he and Sheriff Lovick had had an informal conversation about the issue.

"Sheriff Lovick told me that we had a growing problem and his office was working closely with others to address it," said Gossett.  "I thought it was important that all the Councilmembers be briefed on what was happening."

The SCSO reported that the number of youth gang members living in or operating in Snohomish County has increased dramatically.  In a 2007 assessment conducted by SCSO 60 active gangs were identified with a combined membership totaling 850.  By 2008 over 1,000 high school aged youth reported being gang members.  Street gangs have an established presence in many of the schools and parks across the county.  Reported altercations between gangs are becoming increasingly common.

In response to increased gang activity it became apparent to the Sheriff's Office that there needed to be more coordination with social services and other police agencies to combat the growing gang related activity within the county.  An exclusively law enforcement approach was not going to fully address the growing gang problem. 

"What we know from both practical experience and past history," said Gossett, "is that an approach that includes prevention, intervention, suppression and outreach provides the best chance for success over the long term."

Last fall the Sheriff's Office received a $375,000 grant to fund a gang suppression unit.  The suppression unit consists of 3 deputies and a sergeant to focus on gangs.  The Sheriff also worked to bring agencies and services together with law enforcement to operate as a unified county to combat the gang issue.  The result of combining the efforts of the social service community and law enforcement was the creation of the Snohomish County Gang Community Response Team.

The Team works with families of gang members provides training to parents and schools on how to deal with gangs, conducts outreach to gang members, and engages in other activities to prevent and reduce gang involvement.  The Team was recently awarded $200,000 from the Juvenile Rehabilitation Administration for an extensive outreach program for at-risk children and their families.

"This is a great approach," said Gossett.  "It is imperative that we share our law enforcement capabilities and social services outreach programs to limit the threat of gang violence in our communities, and the threat to our children."

For more information on how to deal with gangs contact (425) 388-6666 or go to wevaluekids.org/gangs on the web.