Elgin hopes new group can help combat gangs

Elgin officials are putting together a proposal for a new committee that would focus on preventing gang violence.

City leaders have already been meeting with residents after seven gang-related shootings over the summer killed two and injured seven.

But officials say so many people are showing up to the meetings -- 80 or more at the last meeting on Monday -- that it's getting difficult to manage the crowds.

Now, city officials are trying to put together a more formal committee to better tackle the city's gang issues.

"Its just trying to designate a group of people who, in addition to the city, are going to lead this effort of addressing the gang situation in Elgin," council member Juan Figueroa said. "We would like this group to just do an inventory of the current resources we have -- including intervention and prevention programs."

City officials say they hope to draw people from all walks in town, including the police, city council, city manager's office, clergy, neighborhood groups and community organizations.

"I think the Elgin Police Department is doing a good job," Figueroa said. "In addition to maintaining that aggressive law enforcement, we need to work also in terms of those intervention and prevention programs. I don't think we can eliminate (gang activity), but at least try to work more with the community."

The committee would likely put together a report -- including existing programs to prevent gang violence and best practices in other cities -- and then make a presentation to the city council sometime next year.

"I would hope they could come up with a comprehensive plan for the city," Figueroa said. "The community has reacted in a positive way on this issue. They want a more proactive approach."