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Gang members and community leaders urge rehabilitation and programs during Senate committee of the whole
Summary
During a committee of the whole, former and current gang-affiliated youth and community advocates asked the Utah Senate for rehabilitation programs, culturally responsive education and vocational training, and urged targeted funding rather than only punitive measures.
Senators convened a committee of the whole during the Oct. 12 special session to hear directly from youth and community members affected by gang activity and juvenile violence.
A self-described former gang member who identified himself as an OG told the chamber that many young people are "victims of their environment," asked legislators not to rely solely on incarceration and urged investment in rehabilitation and jobs. He said families on the West Side could not afford private rehabilitation placements that cost about $10,000 per child.
Rita Bank, an arts-in-education professional, described literacy and educational deficits among some Salt Lake City students and urged culturally responsive teaching and vocational training so that non‑college‑bound youth have employment pathways. She and other parents reported incidents in which students were treated as suspects (one account described police pointing shotguns at teenagers who turned out to be carrying a toy), and they described frustration at perceived lack of alternatives.
Senators responded with offers to pursue targeted appropriations and to work with community leaders on a proposed gang summit. Senator Craig Peterson urged using the group's organizational power to build positive community institutions and encouraged focused proposals so the legislature can identify funding and programmatic responses.
Why it matters: Testimony illustrated that community members view the problem as broader than criminal enforcement alone, and they urged investments in prevention — school supports, summer programming, vocational training — in addition to the state’s tougher enforcement measures. Senators expressed interest in continuing dialogue and using appropriations to pilot programs focused on at‑risk youth.
What’s next: Senators said committees (notably appropriations) are open to requests for funding and to convene further conversations with community leaders; multiple members volunteered to help set up follow‑up meetings and to work on potential program funding.
