Senator Phillips: Senate Passes New Measures to Combat Gang Violence

Senator Elaine Phillips (R-Manhasset) announced that the New York State Senate passed legislation to help get violent gangs out of our communities and prevent them from preying on children.  Senator Phillips is a cosponsor of the legislation. 

“Gangs are brutally and mercilessly preying on people across New York State, and they must be stopped.  No community should ever have to fear horrific acts of violence like those which took place on Long Island.  This legislation is an aggressive, comprehensive approach that will help put violent gang members behind bars and keep children from joining these gangs in the first place.  The Assembly should join the Senate in acting on this legislation and providing these new tools to protect our communities,” said Senator Phillips.

The New York State Criminal Street Gang Act (S2410) would:

• Increase penalties and create new felony crimes for individuals who benefit from gang activity, participate in gang activity and recruit youth or adults to participate in gang activities.
• Legally define criminal street gangs in New York’s penal statutes for the first time ever, giving prosecutors more options when charging offenders.  
• Establish a new Criminal Street Gang Prevention Fund to support violence prevention and gang crime deterrence services provided by not-for-profit organizations. The measure would be funded partially through forfeited assets obtained following convictions for gang activity. 
• Develop and implement a model curriculum focused on gang violence prevention to help keep children away from gangs and on the path to success. 

Gang violence is a growing problem on Long Island.  Just last week, alleged MS-13 gang members were arrested in Westbury on multiple charges of attempted murder for two separate incidents where the victims were attacked with machetes.  

There have also been several heinous incidents of gang violence in Suffolk County.  Last month, four people were found dead in a Central Islip park, brutally stabbed and beaten to death.  In October of 2016, two teenage girls in Brentwood were killed in a similar manner while walking down the street.  MS-13 gang members are suspected of committing the murders. 

The legislation has been sent to the Assembly.