Gang violence still isn’t a problem in Santa Cruz the way it is in other Bay Area cities, and the SCPD wants to keep it that way.
Gang violence still isn’t a problem in Santa Cruz the way it is in other Bay Area cities, and the SCPD wants to keep it that way. That’s why they’re bringing the PRIDE program here. “Santa Cruz does have a gang issue,” says Detective Joe Hernandez, but “the perception out there is that we don’t.” Rather than let the problem fester, PRIDE aims at nipping it in the bud by mentoring middle school kids who are most susceptible to gangs. Youths, who are referred to the program by teachers, principals and parents, take part in various field trips to show them where gang life can lead. Among the target destinations are jails and morgues.
The program does cost money, but City Councilmember Lynn Robinson says, “It’s going to be a big bang for its buck.” Police Chief Howard Skerry agrees and points out the long-term benefits of the program. Gang violence is “not a police problem,” he says. “It’s a community problem.” Which is why the SCPD is enlisting people from all walks of life to assist in the effort. Robinson adds, “And sponsorships are welcome too.”
PRIDE stands for Pico Rivera Individual Development in Ethics. Read more at KION.
