Several list members have suggested that there be more enforcement of laws re the drug trade. One even suggests that there is a lawsuit in the making re public officials' neglect of enforcement of State laws and the Minneapolis Charter.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but earlier this year wasn't there a posting about how the police are frustrated because when they make arrests of this nature the courts do not keep the criminals in jail? I think it was stated that it's a 3-day turnaround from arrest to being back on the streets. So, it seems to me that enforcement is only the tip of the iceberg. Who has jurisdiction in prosecuting these crimes? Is it the City Attorney or the County Attorney? Whoever, I'll bet they could tell some horror stories. >From the discussion thus far it appears the solution has many parts. To name some that have been mentioned: * better enforcement and serious jail time for offenders * early intervention to prevent youth from becoming gang accultured * job training to divert youth from the "job" of drug dealer and worse * some agglomeration of services to "keep" young people in school * working to curb demand for drugs as well as supply (isn't this the Feds' jurisdiction?) I humbly suggest that since arresting these people doesn't seem to keep them off the streets, that they be harrassed off the streets. Is it possible to combine community activism with enough police to keep shooing the dealers from corner to corner and never letting them have enough time to set up shop? Isn't this how Humphrey got rid of the gangsters when he was mayor? If it worked once, why don't we try the same tactic -- it seems timeless enough. As far as the services/preventive end of the equation a lot of what is being suggested is already available, but not coordinated. Since we have limited resources to spend, I suggest: * research the "successful" programs of other cities, as referred to by V. Freeman *we divert the attention of police to this problem and mobilize communities to support a harrassment strategy * work with state legislators to change the sentencing guidelines for offenders in the city of Minneapolis, or the metro area in general * set up an inter-agency Task Force for the sole purpose of coordinating services that are shown (proven) helpful in diverting youth from turning to a gang life Are these first steps practical realistic and doable? Barbara Nelson Burnsville Once and Future Minneapolitan -- Barbara Nelson [EMAIL PROTECTED] Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are. � John Wooden _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
