Grant given to Syracuse shows extent of city’s gang problem

By awarding the Syracuse community $300,000 to fight gang violence, the full extent of the city’s gang problem is coming to light.

Only nine cities were awarded money for gang prevention by the U.S. Department of Justice, signaling the gravity of the problem Syracuse faces. As Syracuse University students, we are sheltered on the Hill and may not be aware of the problems happening in the city.

But students often leave the campus community for various reasons, including volunteering for projects in the Near Westside or the Southside. Students often move off campus to the East neighborhood as well.

Incidents in the last month have turned student focus toward gang-related crime in areas surrounding campus, and the grant could not have come at a better time. Police departments can now begin implementing more long-term solutions instead of short-term solutions, like tripling law enforcement during weekend nights.

The university is a huge component of the Syracuse community. Students only live here for four years, but community members also have interests in the university.

Many community members are employed by the university or work at places where students drive business forward.

High-profile figures in the city and the university often discuss “bridging the gap” between the university and the city. Handling this gang problem together may be a way to help close the gap a little bit more.

The gang problem does not exclude the university, and SU officials must work to make sure Syracuse Truce — the program funded by the $300,000 award — helps ensure the safety of students and community members.

The program will begin next month and will look to prevent community members from joining gangs in addition to the work being done to curb current gang activity.

Though some specifics of the plan have been released, a more detailed plan is necessary to ensure the money does not go to waste. Throwing money at a problem will not necessarily fix it. Without proper oversight, this money may go to waste and the gangs in Syracuse may continue to cause problems.