The Mayors and Police Chiefs of most cities in America are faced with a criminal gang problem. In many cities these are “street gangs” numbering less than a dozen to more than a hundred per gang. Some have an area of a block or two to several neighborhoods. All need some activity to support them. The most common are drugs, street crimes and burglary. Now gun sales and store robbery has gained popularity. Along with those crimes go shootings of other gang members and bystanders.

            In most cities special police squads have been organized to combat the problem. These squads concentrate stopping their criminal activity by arresting them, harassing them, and interfering in their business. The harassing is where these squads start getting into trouble. They become overzealous in those activities and beat, sometimes to death, gang members and others who may not be in a gang.

            The choice is a difficult one since gangs have become so prevalent and invasive. Regular detectives in each division are not capable of solving the problem along with all of their other responsibilities. These special anti-gang squads are the answer but a major change is needed. Instead of putting detectives in the squad forever, causing them to become hardened and willing to cross the line, keep their appointment to three years or less. The leaders could be longer ensuring continuity of contacts and plans.

            The beating of Tyre Nichols might not have happened if that simple rule had been in effect.