November 7, 2009
- Pasco, Washington
Holding Down Prosser Turf Against Gangs
By Lena Vargas
Most weeknights at around six, Officer, Mike Buck has just started his shift.
When it comes to gangs, he's not just a cop. He's part big brother and part psychologist. He understands Hispanic children are particularly vulnerable to gangs, because in the Prosser area their parents often work long hours. "They're looking for that sense of belonging" said Buck. It's not just what happens here in Prosser. The police department also keeps an eye on what happens East and West of here." "We're so close to Sunnyside and Grandview that we deal with the same people that they have." Officer Buck also knows about some recent gang incidents in the Tri-cities, including a stabbing last weekend. "Luckily we haven't had like a major assault, shooting or stabbing yet,” said Buck. "It will eventually happen because it's just been moving steadily down from Sunnyside and Gandview. Unfortunately, we're next. I think it's going to happen down the road. But buck says the fight against the "writing on the wall" isn't over. He hopes the city's focus on the problem and the small, tight-knit community will help. Meanwhile, the city is also trying to find money to keep two gang prevention experts in the schools. The two were laid off after budget cuts. And it’s looking at bringing several alternatives to the area's youth, like the Boys and Girls Club and a boxing program. "Trying to give them discipline to put their focus and anger into versus trying to fight for a color, or a number or a group” said Buck. |
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