“Every community in King County has felt the impact of increasing gang violence, but for the White Center and North Highline Neighborhoods, the reformation of the gang suppression unit has special meaning,” said Councilmember Dow Constantine, prime sponsor of the motion and a member of the budget leadership team. “If this unit can help reduce gang activity, help keep kids out of gangs, and help those trying to leave the gang life, then we will have honored the sacrifice made by Deputy Steve Cox.”

Gang-related crime increased 165 percent in 2006 over the year before, with at least 85 recognized gangs operating within King County, according to the Sheriff’s office. Sheriff’s deputy Steve Cox was killed in the line of duty last December by a convicted gang member. Cox’s mother JoAn and the White Center community where Cox worked collected signatures calling for reformation of the gang unit, which was eliminated by budget cuts.

Councilmember Bob Ferguson, who will chair the Annual Budget Reconciliation and Adoption Committee, is recommending funding for this initiative in the 2008 budget, so long as such funding does not undermine other vital county law enforcement responsibilities.

“Citizens ranked Law, Safety and Justice as their top budget priority during our Citizen Engagement Process last spring,” said Ferguson. “The Council heard that message, and the gang suppression unit is a significant step toward delivering on that priority.”

The Council motion adopted today declares the County’s intent to reestablish a permanent gang unit to ensure public safety. The motion also states that funding for the unit should not come from community intervention and prevention programs already in place, such as community re-entry programs for former gang members trying to avoid a return to gang life after their release from prison.

“We plan to move forward with the establishment of a gang suppression unit within the Sheriff’s office,” said Council Chair Larry Gossett. “I am pleased that in considering its funding we will not cut critical prevention, intervention and re-entry assistance programs.”

“The senseless death of a community hero, Deputy Steve Cox, at the hands of an identified gang member fuels the urgency for the formation of this Gang Suppression Unit,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who chairs the Council’s Law, Justice and Human Services Committee. “Prevention and suppression of gang-related crime will save money, prevent suffering, save lives, and make our community safer. We also want to send a strong message that King County is not a friendly place for gangs to operate, and we will not tolerate illegal gang activity.”

“The death of Officer Cox demonstrates the need for an intensified focus on gang activity in King County,” said Councilmember Jane Hague. “Not only do our citizens need to feel safe, our deputies need to know that proper funding will be provided to keep them safe while fighting against gangs.”

“We have recently seen an increase in gang violence and it is an issue that crosses jurisdictions and communities,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “A unit that can work in partnership with law enforcement on all levels will be a strong weapon in the fight against this new surge in gang activity.”

“It’s time to establish aggressive measures to counteract the rise in gang activity in our community,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson, “Re-establishing the gang suppression unit sends a message that gang activity is never tolerated in King County.”

“Gangs in King County are on the rise, increasing violence in our communities and stealing the productive lives of the youths who get caught up in them,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “King County’s gang suppression unit has been effective in the past, and I have confidence that it will be again. I commend Sheriff Rahr for bringing this important need to the council’s attention.”

The Sheriff is currently addressing the gang problem by shifting resources from other duties. Members of the department’s SWAT team are working emphasis patrols in known gang areas and sheriff’s deputies are working with Seattle Police and agents of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to track gang activity.