Looking to put an end to gang violence

A new committee to tackle gang violence in Elgin is beginning to take shape.

City council members this week will review plans for the new street gang prevention and intervention committee, which will include city officials, council members and representatives from community organizations.

The idea for the new committee was raised earlier this month by council member Juan Figueroa, who said the city should take a closer look at gang prevention programs.

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

But Figueroa said the city should take a more structured approach in dealing with gang violence.

"The idea is to have a group of people who are going to be leading the meetings, making sure there is some protocol," he said. "In the past, we've got the issue of so many people giving ideas, but no specific group that would be taking action."

As proposed, the group would have 13 members: two from the council, two from the clergy, three from community groups and one each from the city manager's office, the police department, a parent group, a neighborhood group, the United Way of Elgin and Elgin Area School District U-46.

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.

Figueroa said both he and council member Bob Gilliam have expressed interest in serving on the committee.

The members would meet at least four times a year. The meetings would be open to the public.

"I don't think we would be able to accomplish much without community input," Figueroa said.

The city council meeting is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Wednesday at city hall, 150 Dexter Court.