People from across the state gathered at Pacific Lutheran University on June 25 for Ignite Hope: Pierce County Gang Prevention Symposium. Organized by Safe Streets, the conference allowed social workers, educators and law enforcement professionals to share strategies on how to combat gang activity.
Priscilla Lisicich, executive director of Safe Streets, gave the opening address. She told those in attendance to do more to collaborate on their efforts. “We have important work to do and I think we can make a difference.”
Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor said gang activity ruins lives across ethnic lines and income levels. Glorification of the thug culture in popular entertainment helps fuel the violence, he said. This must be countered with positive values.
“Public safety is not a spectator sport,” he said. “If we fail to act, the incentive of hope is lost.”
Attorney General Rob McKenna delivered the keynote address. Much of the effective work in combating gang violence in Washington is happening here in Pierce County, he said. “The rest of the state recognizes that. They look to Pierce County for solutions.”
He noted the legislature changed language in laws that define gang activity based on advice from the office of Pierce County Prosecutor Gerry Horne. “You are on top of your game in knowing what strategies are effective.”
He praised police departments for looking beyond city borders to work collaboratively on monitoring gang activity.
McKenna expressed weariness with continually hearing about kids killing kids when he reads the newspaper or watches television news. “This has to stop in our state.”
Gabe Morales of Gang Prevention Services held a seminar on the rise of Latino gangs in the state. The suspect in a shooting on a Pierce Transit bus in Tacoma in May has ties to the Playboys, a Hispanic gang, Morales said.
Another seminar brought together representatives of various law enforcement agencies. Sergeant Todd Karr of the sheriff’s department gang unit said the area around South 96th and Hosmer streets, which lies just outside the Tacoma city limits, has seen an increase in gang activity.
Deputy John Delgado of the gang unit said many gang members are toning down outward signs of membership, not getting tattoos and being more discreet in how they display their colors.
The main motorcycle gang in the area is the Banditos and their affiliates, according to Karr. “I predict we are going to have some problems with those guys in the near future.”
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