San Jose Gang Prevention Program Gets Federal Boost

SAN JOSE (KCBS)— San Jose has received a $120,000 grant from the federal government to reduce prison recidivism rates. Mayor Chuck Reed made the announcement after returning from the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention in Washington D.C.

Six cities across the country have been tasked with developing programs to reduce the revolving door of gang membership and crime.

The city is regarded as having a model gang-prevention program and some of the money will be used to keep teens engaged throughout the summer.

KCBS' Mike Colgan Reports:

"We're figuring out how to deal with re-entry since we have about a 70 percent recidivism rate. That's a project that they've asked us to take on and they're helping to support us with some funding," said Reed.

Jose Salcido, a senior policy adviser with the mayor's office, said it's important that when prisoners are released, there are programs for them to go into.

"It is very difficult to move the needle on the recidivism rate. It requires a lot of work. We're going to begin while they're in custody and then continue the work once they're released," he said.

One reason the city has a model gang-prevention program is because intervention starts when kids turn five, according to Salcido.

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