California State Laws
The California Street Terrorism Enforcement and Prevention Act (STEP), also known as California 186.20, was enacted in 1988 based on the contention that the State was in a state of crisis caused by dangerous street gangs who threatened our neighborhoods. The Act intends to protect the public by stating that law enforcement agencies should focus on the pattern of gang criminal actives and allows for forfeiture of gang profits and possessions gained through illegal activities.
A provision of STEP, California 186.22 dictates that participation in a criminal street gang should be punished by imprisonment; it lists 30 offenses that gangs commit, including assault with a deadly weapon, intimidation of witnesses, murder, grand theft, burglary, and counterfeiting. One criticism of this law is that it is it’s poorly drafted and has inherent interpretive and constitutional problems, such as the rights of citizens to feely associate and bear arms. According to some legal experts, it has produced vague appeals in the process, but can be rescued.
School Recommendations: The San Diego County Office of Education as well as other field experts, such as Mike Carlie, PhD provide a series of recommendations for the development of school polices geared specifically for gang prevention or intervention, which include the actions listed below.
Policy recommendations
- Developing a consistent way of reporting and classifying all gang-related incidents
- Implement a parent notification program in conjunction with law enforcement
- Photograph and remove graffiti within 24 hours
- Provide in-service, special student curriculum and parenting classes
- Reduce truancy, offer school homework assistance and attendance incentives
- Establish effective relationships with School Resource Officers
- Introduce student participation and empowerment projects
Create a steering committe to improve existing policies!
