Ganging up Against Gang Violence in Layton Park

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By Chelsea Kopta

Summary

Kennewick police are starting to meet to talk about gang violence in parks in East Kennewick.

Story Published: Jul 30, 2010 at 5:33 PM PST

KENNEWICK, Wash. -- Kennewick police fliers read "I've had enough", but it's hard to imagine Layton Park needs to be taken back from gangs. It's full of kids, it's clean, and it seems safe.

"How safe do you feel in your neighborhood?" Action News asked local resident Jason Hettinger, "I feel pretty safe."

Many neighbors told Action News they've never run into crime here. But if you look for them, the signs are there. In one area across the street, graffiti covers entire walls, it's scrawled on motor homes, and covered by paint. Despite what you see in the daytime, police told Action News that Layton Park often draws a rough crowd. In fact, several neighbors told KEPR they're so concerned about gang members who live right near Layton Park that many would not go on camera.

It's for these reasons police are now working with neighbors to wipe out gang violence, graffiti, and theft. Kennewick Police believe it will take a team effort to make a change.

"We don't want them to feel helpless, like there's nothing they can do or they have to accept that they're going to wake up to graffiti on their fence or in their neighborhood," Kennewick Police Sgt. Ken Lattin said.

"I think they're headed in the right direction in some areas," Hettinger said.

Police hope you'll call if you see anything suspicious but Hettinger's concerned neighbors could go overboard.

"I think they get too personal as far as who owns the places and all that," he continued.

Police said they've received more calls for service in the park but not necessarily because of more crime there. It may just be more people have "had enough."