Injunctions Against Gangs

I disagree with the premise that cast doubt on gang injunctions in “Deputy Chief Calls Gang Injunctions Too Costly” (Nov. 23). Of course police need to concentrate on arresting parole and probation violators and responding to citizens’ calls, but gang injunctions are a cost-effective tool to prevent crime. Our office obtained the majority of the gang injunctions in Los Angeles County and the evidence shows they’re inexpensive when compared to the alternatives.

The recent gang injunction issued in the Pico-Union area is a good example of the cost savings. As your story stated, LAPD reports that since the injunction was obtained, violent crime, including murders, robberies, rapes and armed assaults, decreased by 31%. We’re not only saving lives and preventing physical suffering and financial loss for those who would have been victimized, we saved the huge costs of criminal investigations, arrests, prosecutors and defense lawyers, trials and witness loss of time and wages.

We’ve been thanked by community members after every gang injunction. People are grateful to be free from fear of gang thugs and deterioration of their neighborhoods. Residents even report a turnaround in property values.

MICHAEL GENELIN

Head Deputy, Hardcore

Gang Division, L.A. County

District Attorney’s Office