According to District Attorney Tony Lawrence street gangs are a growing problem in the criminal justice system and their activity seems to be turning more and more violent.
The Mississippi Association of Gang Investigators (MAGI) hosted a conference in Gulfport on how to combat gang violence in the state.
Earlier in the year, during the regular session legislation was proposed that would have allowed law enforcement and prosecutors to go after the leaders of these organized groups directly.
“This gang statute we currently have was passed back in the 70’s it doesn’t address the leaders. These leaders are recruiting young people, African american and Caucasian, to get them to do crimes,” Senator Brice Wiggins.
The bill died on floor during the last week of the Session.
“I commend the work of the Mississippi Association of Gang Investigators, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors across the state in addressing this menace,” said District Attorney Tony Lawrence.
During the conference, Senator Wiggins was presented with a plaque in honor of appreciation for their work toward combating illegal street gangs in Mississippi.
