U.S. Attorney General Visits Nickerson Gardens 

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder visited Nickerson Gardens housing development on Thursday, July 16, 2009 to see first-hand how a successful anti-gang program in Watts is helping youth stay away from gang activity during the summer months.  He met with the community, the Watts Gang Task Force  (WGTF) and toured the facilities and observed various youth activities.

While surveying the grounds, he briefly stopped to watch a basketball game, talked to community members and took pictures.

The Attorney General met with the Watts Gang Task Force, a community based group established in 2006 to combat gang violence in Watts. The group is made up of residents, gang intervention workers and community based organizations and leaders who have been instrumental in reducing the gang related violence. The A.G. was eager to learn about the organization and its success story.  

 

Accompanied by Councilwoman Janice Hahn, L.A. Police Chief Bill Bratton and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the Attorney General heard from the WGTF directly. Councilwoman Hahn in her opening remarks briefed the A.G. on the history of WGTF and presented him with a “Certificate of Appreciation” on behalf of the WGTF. Councilwoman Hahn talked about the tremendous effort the group makes to fight crime in Watts. “We have a better Watts as a result of this group,” said Councilwoman Hahn.

The A.G. noted that he was impressed with the improvement and said he is looking forward to learning about the techniques used in Watts.“Maybe I can learn something here that we can duplicate around the country,” said Attorney General Holder.  He credited the leadership who took chances and implemented innovative methods to tackle crime in the community.   

 

Mayor Villaraigosa noted that “A big part of the success is the community collaboration.” This was echoed throughout the meeting, where both police and community acknowledged that their relationship has improved drastically in the last several years and as a result making Watts a better community; the attitude and culture change is a big part of the success we see in Watts today, in tangible statistical data, which shows a drastic decrease in crime in the area.  Serious crimes, such as homocide, rape, aggravated assaults and kidnappings, were reduced 25% from 2006 to 2008 in the Watts area.

 

 

 

WGTF members noted that it’s not just about arresting people and trying to steer the young ones away from gangs, but also about programs that offer alternatives to youth, i.e. activities, jobs, education. A member of the WGTF's Youth Justice Coalition spoke at the meeting and noted that community involvement in the decision making process and social services are what got her through the hard times.