PUBLIC SAFETY REGIONAL TEAM IS WAY TO HALT CRIMINAL GANGS

Ironically, it's teamwork that helps gangs to deliver drugs and
commit other, more heinous crimes. The challenge then before law
enforcement is to outmaneuver gangs with more sophisticated networks
and highly effective teamwork.

The Lehigh Valley was fortunate last year to receive a $2.5 million
federal grant for a regional approach to fighting gangs whose
proximity to Routes 222 and 22 made cocaine and heroine distribution
easier. Law enforcement officials in the U.S. Attorney's Office,
Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, Reading, Lancaster, Harrisburg and York
- -- the Route 222 Corridor Anti-Gang Initiative -- dismantled the
area's largest cocaine-trafficking ring.

In December, "Operation White Market" took down a drug gang called
Mafia-El Don, which allegedly distributed more than $4 million of
cocaine since last summer. Investigators also found $1 million in six
bags in a Whitehall Township home -- proving gangs don't limit their
activity to the cities.

Just as troubling, gangs will never have trouble finding new
recruits. So last week, Allentown took the next logical step and
formed a new task force to target gangs -- "the new organized crime,"
according to Mayor Ed Pawlowski. Some significant, out-of-town gangs
are of particular concern, including the Crips, Bloods, Latin Kings
and Netas. Consequently, prosecutions will be more vigorous. A
recommendation of placement in the Accelerated Rehabilitative
Disposition program for a first offense would be highly unlikely for
any member of a gang.

Though the effort this time will be more focused on gang activity in
Allentown, law enforcement is just as committed to forging a network.
District Attorney Jim Martin will contribute a county detective and
the Lehigh County Drug Task Force, with its suburban police officers,
also will be involved. Gang members, in their own, distorted way,
seek mutual protection and profit -- but not in the Lehigh Valley, if
law enforcement has its way.