Many of us have noticed the dramatic increase in gang violence. Instead of trying to prevent it, some of the people in town provoke it. We should be able to prevent this from reaching higher extremes.  Some believe there’s no cure for preventing gang violence, no matter how strong our community stands against it.

    When asked, “Do you believe gang violence can be prevented?”, a student who wanted to remain anonymous answered, “No, I honestly don’t. It’s too late now. If we, as a community, would have done something since gang violence began to get out of control we would have had a chance. Now that people, from the community, see young kids getting killed in the streets ,they want to prevent it, but lets be realistic, there’s no way we can.”
    We all share different opinions. Some opinions are stronger then others. If we don’t get on the same page soon and work together as a community, gang violence is going to end up taking over our whole town. Fortunately, there are some people in our community who are willing to respond positively.

    Mr. Ciccarelli, a King City High School teacher, said,“Yes, I think we can prevent it if people learn to set aside their differences, and realize we all really have a lot in common.”

    Another teacher, Mr. Munoz, responded, “Yes, I believe something can be done. We need to give our police more freedom, and our criminals less.”

    This is where the police come in. Can cops stop gang violence? Are they really doing their job out there? Do we need to give them more credit for what they do get done, or have they lost hope like some of us? 
    KCPD Officer Robles said, “If people start calling the police more often when there is gang activities happening in the city, the criminals or gang members would think twice before doing something wrong or something illegal.”

    Our community needs to take a stand. Let these gang members see that this is a town that won’t allow gang violence. Another suggestion is to do something to help these gang memebers get off the streets, and stay out of trouble. “We would probably need to work a trade open mechanic shops-work ethics. Something like that as long as their not doing their ‘gang activities’”, suggested Officer Robles.

    When asked, “Do you as a cop feel you try your hardest to prevent gang violence?” Officer Robles answered, “Yes we do, but we don’t have eyes all over the place. That’s why we need the community to step up and help their community, possibly start neighborhood watches, if necessary.”

    So there it is. If we want gang violence to stop then we, as a community, need to step up, helping our local police force the best we can.