Ishida on gangs
I absolutely support our approach to deal with gangs. We need to add an additional 7 deputies devoted to gang suppression in the southern part of the county. We have added 14 deputies this year to suppress gangs. I wold add another 50 deputies to address the gangs if funds are available.
Do you favor changes to the county’s current approach? What should be done, or done differently?
I agree with our current approach to the gang issue in Tulare County. Last year as chairman of the board, I assigned Supervisor Cox to form the Tulare County Gang Taskforce to deal with suppression, intervention and prevention. The Board of Supervisors funded the Gang Taskforce and Supervisor Cox has done an excellent job. The board recognized that there isn't enough jail space if we only used suppression and that intervention and prevention was an important part of our efforts. We have partnered with school districts, concerned residents and all the law enforcement agencies in Tulare County to develop a cohesive countywide approach to deal with this issue. We have had two Step-Up Community Outreach Meetings which were attended by over 3,500 students, parents, clergy, educators, business leaders, law enforcement and concerned residents. We are currently planning several more in different locations.