Senate bill would create crime category for gangs

Golden says it legislation also focuses on prevention

May 10, 2017 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

State Sen. Marty Golden (left) at a 2016 hearing on the opioid crisis with state senators George Amedore Jr. (center) and Terrence Murphy (right) says his bill will help protect communities from gang violence. Eagle file photo by Paula Katinas

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New York state would be tackling the troubling issue of street gang violence from two different perspectives — law enforcement and education — if a bill approved by the state Senate eventually becomes law.

Legislation sponsored by state Sen. Marty Golden (R-C-Bay Ridge-Southwest Brooklyn) on Monday has been sent to the state Assembly for consideration. Assemblymember Joe Lentol (D-North Brooklyn) is the sponsor of the bill in that chamber.

Golden’s legislation would create new felony categories for suspects charged with engaging in street gang activities, including members who recruit other young people to join the gangs. Suspects would face significant jail time if convicted of gang-related crimes.

Under the bill, the state would establish a new Criminal Street Gang Prevention Fund to support violence prevention and services that nonprofit organizations provide to keep kids out of gangs.

Monies for the new fund would be partially generated through forfeited assets obtained after gang members are convicted.

The bill also calls for the New York State Division Criminal Justice Services to consult with schools to develop a curriculum focused on gang violence prevention.

The curriculum would be aimed at fostering self-esteem, knowledge and skills that lead to productive, gang-free and drug-free lives for kids, Golden said.

Golden, a retired New York City cop, said he came up with the legislation to save the lives of young people.

“As a former New York City police officer, I know firsthand that the presence of gangs on the streets of New York has, and continue to, destroy communities, destroy schools and destroy families. It is time that we create stricter penalties, along with educational programs, to reduce gang violence across New York state,” Golden said in a statement.

The prevention aspect is an important piece of the pie, according to Golden. “We must not only work to prevent the formation of gangs, but we should penalize them, track them and educate them so the dangers they cause on our streets can be eliminated,” he stated.

Gang violence throughout New York has increased, according to lawmakers, who pointed to the rise of MS-13, a gang whose members are suspected of killing at least 11 victims on Long Island this year.

The violence perpetrated by MS-13 demonstrates a need for a more comprehensive method of tackling gangs, Golden said.

The bill had the full support of Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan.

“Neighborhoods that have been particularly hard hit by gang violence on Long Island and in communities across the state need better resources to help eliminate gangs and the victimization of those in their wake. Sen. Golden’s bill takes a comprehensive approach to protect our families by preventing vulnerable young people from being recruited by gangs and strengthening our laws to break up violent and dangerous gang activity,” Flanagan (R-C-Long Island) said in a statement.