WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Pat Roberts has helped introduce legislation to curb gang related crime.

"Small, rural towns in Kansas are seeing a rise in gang related violent crimes and criminal activities. In Dodge City alone, it is estimated that 320 individuals are involved in gangs. This legislation creates just and certain punishment for criminal gangs and gives law enforcement more tools to prevent and reduce gang crimes."

The bill, S. 132, the Gang Abatement and Prevention Act, was introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and creates criminal penalties for individuals who commit, conspire, threaten, or attempt a gang crime for the purpose of furthering the activities of a criminal street gang. It makes it a crime to recruit new gang members. It also requires the U.S. Sentencing Commission to increase the sentencing guidelines for the new gang crimes if they were committed by an illegal immigrant or a person previously ordered deported.

To prevent and reduce gang crime, the legislation creates a National Gang Research, Evaluation, and Policy Institute within the Department of Justice to assist states and local entities in developing community-based programs for gang prevention and intervention.

The bill also requires the U.S. Attorney General to establish a National Gang Activity Database to disseminate gang information to law enforcement agencies throughout the United States.

The bill was referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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