Gang Legislation Study Released

WASHINGTON, DC - On Wednesday morning, December 3, 2008, Dr. Barry Krisberg, juvenile justice researcher and President of the National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD), will release a NCCD critique and comparative analysis of the legislative approaches in the 110^th Congress to address gangs. The critique and analysis will compare S. 456, the "Gang Abatement and Prevention Act" and its House companion, H.R. 3547, with H.R. 3846, the "Youth PROMISE Act" sponsored by Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott.S.456 and H.R. 3547 both emphasize increased punishment and other suppression approaches; the Youth PROMISE Act emphasizes an alternative approach, using evidenced-based prevention and intervention strategies to prevent crime. <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = O />

Immediately following the press conference, Rep. Scott, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, will hold a summit on Effective Youth Violence and Gang Prevention Strategies. Dr. Marian Wright Edelman, President and founder of the Children's Defense Fund, will make opening remarks, followed by presentations from 12 other researchers, law enforcement officials and other criminal justice practitioners.

Barry Krisberghas been the President of NCCD for fourteen years. He is known nationally for his research and expertise on juvenile justice issues and is called upon as a resource for professionals and the media. Dr. Krisberg received his master's degree in criminology and a doctorate in sociology, both from the <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = ST1 />University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining NCCD, Dr. Krisberg held several education posts. He was faculty member at the University of California at Berkeley; Dr. Krisberg also was an adjunct professor with the Hubert Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs School at the University of Minnesota and the University of Hawai'i. He is currently a Visiting Lecturer in Legal Studies at UC Berkeley.

The release press conference will be held in Room 2175 in the Rayburn House Office Building, from 9:15 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

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