Hopewell (July 20, 2007) – Bob Martin, Republican State Senate candidate in New Jersey’s 15th district, announced his comprehensive anti-gang plan today. This plan comes at a critical moment for Trenton, Ewing, and their neighboring towns, as gang violence has become a primary concern for residents who have experienced its effects in recent weeks. Trenton’s homicide count is currently up 75% from this point last year, and the repeated shootings on Brenwal Avenue in Ewing have caused an exodus from that neighborhood.

“It is clear that we are at a crossroads,” Martin stated. “We have to make a serious commitment to turn back gang violence in our towns and cities before it grows completely beyond our control. If we ignore this problem or don’t take this threat seriously, we will face a crisis that will tear apart our communities.”

“The number one responsibility of government is to protect its people,” Martin continued. “We must protect out citizens from gang violence”

Martin’s comprehensive plan to combat gang violence in the cities and towns of the 15th district places a priority on ensuring the safety of residents through law enforcement and legislation. However, it also enumerates many other critical factors in the campaign against gangs, including job growth, community prevention programs, and federal assistance. The comprehensive anti-gang plan consists of 8 primary components:

1. Equip police officers with the tools and resources they need to combat gangs, including more surveillance equipment, more officers to monitor high-crime areas, and a greater emphasis on gang specific training.

2. Enact strict new laws to disrupt gang activity, including stricter mandatory minimum sentencing laws for gang related crimes and stricter penalties for illegal gun possession.

3. Create new programs that provide alternatives to gang membership, facilitated by community groups, faith-based groups, and other local institutions.

4. Create gang prevention programs in schools that focus on the dangers and consequences of gang membership, as well as after-school programs that run through schools.

5. Create jobs in the city of Trenton that give opportunities to those at risk for gang membership, with an emphasis on skilled labor, especially in the building and construction trades. This initiative must coincide with the institution of vocational schools and employment programs for young people, especially in Trenton.

6. Secure more state funding, particularly in state police assistance for equipment and officers and increased collaboration with the state attorney general’s office.

7. Secure federal help through funding for law enforcement programs and enlist the involvement of government agencies such as the FBI, the US Attorney’s office, ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms), and the IRS. In addition, federal help is needed to crack down on gun trafficking across state borders, with an emphasis on strengthening gun laws in other states as well.

8. Create and train local neighborhood watch groups to report gang activity.

For more information on Bob Martin’s plan, please visit www.BobMartinforSenate.com