[pnh102]

The people who live in these places are very tolerant of high crime. That's the main problem. The police will always be shackled because the local culture encourages people to not cooperate (even though there may be witness protection programs in place) under any circumstances.

Most cities could end gang violence tomorrow if the people elected leaders who would throw everything they had at the gangs. But until they do... it would probably wise to stock up on flak jackets.

[Total Package]

If they would end the “war on freedom” they have nothing to fight over and most of the gang violence would disappear.

[Seruzawa]

Most cities could end gang violence tomorrow if the people elected leaders who would throw everything they had at the gangs.

True but since so many politicians (and cops) are corrupt and part of the drug/prostitution/gambling hierarchy in the first place that will never happen.

[Joe Boucher]

You can’t throw everything at these poor misguided yout.
They need midnight basketball and compassion.
They need govt. handouts and sympathy.
These poor uneducated yout need hard jail time and serious ass whoopings.

[BenLurkin]

"The people who live in these places are very tolerant of high crime."

Having spent some time in South Central I can tell you that the good people (which is easily half of the residents) fear the gangs. Rightfully so since the LAPD (God bless them) does NOT own the streets -- it can only make incursions.

So, tolerance really isn't the right word for what is happening.

[societygirl]

Many of these women will not rat out a man, period. Even if the man has harmed them However, those guys would rat out those women easily. Go figure.

[Nailbiter]

This problem has been around for decades.
I remember back in 80’s in college sociology class.
I had discussion with very honest professor.
His explanation of problem.
Citizens in depressed areas tolerate crime, due to distrust of police and government.
Crime,drugs provide a form of income for those that cannot or will not get full time job.
It also provides for underground economy.
In addition in most of these communities people who are being victimized by gangs have a family member in gangs also.
Therefore if they rat out one gang retaliation comes in form of dead family member.
This situtaion perpetuates problem.
When I asked what could be done.
He answer was that the only way to end violence was to eliminate all gangs in said area.
Eliminate as in kill, no trials.
Further discussion with professor, he said that politicians and police had no incentive to end problem.
Politicians because they can always run on tougher anti gang platform.
Police because if they eliminate threats to community,they are not needed.

Pretty grim assessment of situation, but one I have never forgotten.