Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Codes Committee Chair Joseph Lentol today announced the passage of legislation (A.11087) aimed at curbing the growing prevalence of gang violence across the state by creating a gang assessment, intervention, prevention and suppression program in New York.

"The incidence of gang violence in New York State remains very alarming," said Silver (D-Manhattan). "This measure will give state law enforcement authorities and local prosecutors an important statewide tool to investigate, prosecute and prevent gang activity. The Assembly Majority will continue to support legislation that gives law enforcement the tools they need to help keep our neighborhoods safe and protected."

"We continue the fight to rid our communities of gangs and their related violence." said Lentol (D-Brooklyn). "Having law enforcement officials work together with shared information will help crackdown on gangs and gang activities. It's important for us to unite and bring the whole community together to get involved and put an end to gang activity and vandalism."

"This measure will establish a centralized place for all information and intelligence related to gang activity," said Assemblyman Phil Ramos (D-Central Islip). "As a veteran Suffolk police officer, and as a father, I know the importance of providing residents with a sense of security in their own neighborhood. As the sponsor of this legislation, I worked to provide law enforcement with improved resources and to stop the threat of gangs."

The gang assessment, intervention, prevention and suppression program will:

• Allow the New York State Police Superintendent to work with local and federal law enforcement to develop a plan to suppress gang activity and create a centralized location where information relating to gangs operating in the state will be kept; and

• Authorize the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Commissioner to award grants to district attorneys to help stop gang activity.

Silver noted that the passage of this bill continues the Assembly Majority's efforts to stamp out gang activity in the communities around the state. He applauded Assemblyman Ramos' work with the FBI, attendance at community forums on the issue and his organization of citizens' advisory boards to make recommendations about what can be done to address gang violence.