The start of another school year means playing sports, joining new clubs, and getting involved with a number of other after-school activities, but one concern for some law enforcement agencies is that students will get involved with the wrong crowds. "Everyday the gang threat is there," said Mark Becker, head of the FBI's anti-gang taskforce in Northwest Indiana.

This summer, Becker said the County braced for the possibility of a violent summer, after several gang-related attacks were connected to seven shooting deaths in one week. "It's always difficult to put a specific number on it, because we don't know for sure if the violence is gang related," said Becker. "But we have seen an increase in murder in Gary."

"There is speculation that gangs are moving out of Chicago into Northwest Indiana," said Becker. "Communities need to be aware that they are not immune to gang violence" And in order to keep our communities safe, the government is now getting involved. Senator Evan Bayh has co-sponsored the Gang Abatement and Prevention Act of 2007. This Act would provide the resources needed for local law enforcement agencies as well as provide funding for local youth mentoring and gang intervention programs.

"This bill targets gang violence a tough but balanced way, providing tools for law enforcement to crack down on crime and for grassroots programs to intervene in the lives of at-risk youth," Senator Bayh said. "There are more gang members on our streets today than police officers. We can't let our communities be outmanned and outgunned in the battle against gang violence." Becker agreed. He said this Act could provide much needed help for our area. "Anything that can create positions to deal with gangs is a good thing," Becker said. "Stopping the crime before it happens makes our job a lot easier."

One of those places that could help make Becker's job easier is the Crisis Center. Even though they don't have a formal gang prevention program, they do see a lot of teens who have had gang related problems. Many of them are part of Teen Court, a prevention, early intervention and youth development program. "We would be a perfect candidate for what the Senator is talking about," said Gavin Mariano with the Crisis Center. "These are the programs we need to support our teens, these initiatives are great."