December 29, 2008

Report Highlights Success of Anti-Gang Effort

Agreement signed to continue work beyond Begich Administration

Two years after the formation of the Tri-Borough Anti-Gang and Youth Violence Policy Team, Mayor Mark Begich and other members of the Policy Team today released a report highlighting some of the successes of the effort, and announced it will continue in the coming months and years.

The report, released in conjunction with Anchorage United for Youth, outlines progress against gang and youth violence in the Tri-Borough area, as well as areas of challenge that still remain. At a news conference at City Hall in Anchorage , outgoing Mayor Begich also led the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to continue the work of the Anti-Gang Initiative. U.S. Attorney for Alaska Nelson Cohen (re-elected) and Interim Mayor Matt Claman will be co-chairs of the Policy Team for 2009.

"There are many organizations doing good work in our community, but more can be done," Begich said. "I am proud to have been a part of this effort from the beginning, and I look forward to hearing about the continuing success in the future."

Begich said the Anti-Gang and Youth Violence Policy Team is one of many community partners that compose Anchorage United for Youth, working together to coordinate efforts and resources to support young people and their families, rather than competing against one another or operating in isolation. He added that signing the Memorandum of Understanding shows the dedication and commitment of the organizations to continue work not only within Anchorage , but with the Tri-Borough communities on the Kenai Peninsula and in the Mat-Su Valley .

Among the report's findings:

· Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys have obtained 81 indictments on federal gun and drug charges, resulting in 48 convictions, with sentencing totaling over 326 years;

· 3,330 youth benefited from a supportive mentor relationship;

· 6,450 youth engaged in safe, productive after school programs;

· 16,070 youth participated in life skills learning;

· Youth gave 43,200 hours of community services;

· A family navigator is working to connect families with services for children in trouble with the law and substance abuse.

"Dozens of organizations and individuals have united to give our children the tools to graduate and step away from gangs and drugs," said Michele Brown, a Policy Team sub-committee chair and United Way of Anchorage President. "When our children aren't prepared for success, we not only fail them, we also fail Alaska . We must have an educated and positive emerging workforce to prosper in this tough global economy. Anchorage United for Youth is committed to turning this mandate into clear action with measurable results."

The Policy Team includes the U.S. Attorney, the Tri-Borough mayors and school district superintendents, and representatives from the Alaska Judiciary, Alaska District Attorney's office, Anchorage Prosecutor's office, criminal defense practice, law enforcement, local non-profit agencies, faith-based organizations, and other community groups. Each member of the Team serves on at least one sub-committee in the areas of Prevention, Intervention, Law Enforcement and Assessment. The sub-committees began meeting in January 2007.

From a Municipality of Anchorage press release