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1996 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 92
Directing the Virginia State Crime Commission, in communication with the Virginia Commission on Youth, to study the formation, existence, and growth of youth gangs in Virginia.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 1, 1996
Agreed to by the Senate, February 21, 1996

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth has experienced an increase in localized, illegal gang-related activities ranging in severity from petty offenses to "drive-by" murders; and

WHEREAS, at least twenty-four gangs are known to operate within the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, some gang-related activity is a by-product of the immigration of gang members from other areas of the country (New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.) where gangs are methodically organized and entrenched; and

WHEREAS, the exact nature and extent of the birth, growth, membership and organization of these gangs is unknown; and

WHEREAS, the issues concerning the type of organization and development of these gangs and the degree to which these gangs contribute to the ever-increasing blight that criminal activity leaves upon our beloved Commonwealth may require further consideration; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Virginia State Crime Commission, in communication with the Virginia Commission on Youth, be directed to study the formation, existence, and growth of youth gangs in Virginia. The Virginia State Crime Commission shall (i) examine the prevalence, organization, growth, development, and the degree to which gangs are involved in criminal activities throughout the Commonwealth; (ii) study the methods and procedures used by other states to deal with their gang problems; (iii) determine how to reduce or eliminate gangs in the Commonwealth; and (iv) develop appropriate recommendations and funding proposals to implement such recommendations.

The representatives of state and local law-enforcement agencies and the courts of the Commonwealth shall provide technical assistance to the Commission. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Commission, upon request.

The Commission shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 1997 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.