HARTFORD ACTIVISTS CATCH DRUG DEALERS ON TAPE

HARTFORD - A group of neighborhood activists are trying a new approach to
discourage drug dealers: amateur video.

A group led by the Rev. Cornell Lewis made the nine-minute video, which
contains rough footage of young men huddling at corners and alleyways known
for high drug activity.

The group says the tape, made over the past month, is intended to convince
residents that there are methods at their disposal to combat drugs and
violence in the community. The tape is also meant to shame those caught
making apparent drug deals, or to at least show them they're being watched,
Lewis told The Hartford Courant.

The North End of Hartford was rocked last July when then-7-year-old Takira
Gaston was hit in the face by a stray bullet fired during a drug turf dispute.

Hartford police have warned Lewis and his followers that their video
surveillance could lead to retaliation from the dealers, but the minister
says his group plans to continue.

"I grew up in Hartford and the drug dealing has always been there, so it
was time to try something new," said resident Alfred Williams, who viewed
the video at a Friday showing. "Whatever the dangers, we need to think
about our children and the environment they are exposed to now. It's
dangerous for them every day."

Lewis cautioned viewers that they should not make assumptions about
everyone who appears on the tape.

"People have a right to stand anywhere they want or walk anywhere they
want," he said. "Not everyone on this tape is a drug dealer. But these are
areas where drug dealing is prevalent, and we wanted people to see what
they look like."

Lewis and other leaders also said cracking down on drug dealers won't
address other problems that contribute to poverty and crime in the North
End, such as poor schools and a lack of jobs.