Program Aids Drop in Crime

In reference to “In Hollenbeck, Crime Statistics Aren’t Needed” (June 3), I believe a strong instrument in the battle of youth-related crime was not mentioned. I am referring to the Inner-City Games Los Angeles. The Games operate from the Hollenbeck Youth Center located one block from the Hollenbeck Police Station. The ICGLA was conceived in 1990 for the purpose of introducing inner-city youth to an alternative to urban influences. The California Department of Justice figures show that violent acts by youth in Los Angeles have declined every year since 1990. The ICGLA has had half a million youth participate in its program.

As an active member of the Games for five years, I have personally witnessed a change in attitude and lifestyle of scores of youth who have participated. I believe the ICGLA should be looked at beyond the sports for the emotional impact and the positive exposure it provides for youth. The Games should be recognized for the crime prevention tool it really is.

JOHNNY ENRIQUEZ

Los Angeles

* Your article credits things such as community policing, curfew crackdowns, economic factors and even “bulletproof street lamps” for the welcomed reduction in crime statistics. But these are only part of the answer.

Nowhere mentioned in the article, and thoroughly abhorred by the liberal element, is the success of the three-strikes law. Criminals responsible for committing most of the crimes are finally being put away for life with no opportunity for recidivism.

TRENT D. SANDERS

La Canada