King County Prosecutor, Sheriff’s Office highlight gang violence and prevention in Town Hall

October 12, 2011

Summary

Story

On Monday, October 10, King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg and Chief Deputy Sheriff Steve Strachan highlighted the growing problem of gangs in South King County at Thomas Jefferson High School.

The Town Hall, sponsored by King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, discussed the realities of gang problems in King County with a crowd of nearly 200 and encouraged community involvement to prevent youth from joining gangs.

“This meeting was a direct response from calls and emails I’ve received from constituents who are concerned about the growing cancer of gang violence in South King County,” said Councilmember von Reichbauer. “We succeeded in bringing together community members and civic leaders to review the problem and begin a dialogue to address it.”

The Town Hall also included an informational fair with youth crime and gang prevention programs from across the region. Detective Joe Gagliardi of the King County Sheriff Gang Unit provided a presentation on identifying gang activity in local neighborhoods. He demonstrated the significance of graffiti and the multi-ethnic nature of gang culture. Auburn Police Chief Bob Lee was in attendance as well as Federal Way Police Chief Brian Wilson and Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas.

Several citizens came forward to express concern over what they are seeing in their neighborhoods and schools and to implore those in attendance to take action. Satterberg explained that kids who miss 20 school days a year have a 1-in-5 chance of graduating high school. He emphasized that the most effective way to keep kids out of gangs is to keep them in school.

“I encourage citizens to get involved with teachers and the many organizations actively working to keep our kids in schools and out of gangs,” von Reichbauer stated.



Councilmember von Reichbauer listens to comments from Rashad Norris at the October 10 Town Hall at Thomas Jefferson High School. Federal Way Police Chief Brian Wilson, Auburn Police Chief Bob Lee, and Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas are shown seated.