The Mayor’s Gang Prevention Initiative (MGPI) is a comprehensive multi-dimensional community enhancement program, under the umbrella of the City of Fresno’s Police Department. The Initiative assists gang affiliated individuals from removing themselves from the gang lifestyle. In an effort to reduce the amount of gang-related crime throughout the City of Fresno, the initiative incorporates five core components - Prevention, Intervention, Suppression, Rehabilitation, and Economic Development.

Prevention component utilizes preemptive strategies such as participation in the Police Activities League, involvement in the Life Skills program, and provides mentoring and community gang awareness presentations as tools to discourage participation in the gang lifestyle.

Intervention component focuses on providing gang validated, associate individuals with the opportunity to leave the gang lifestyle. The process begins with a referral into the program. Referrals can come from school officials, law enforcement officers, community-based organizations or self-referrals from the individuals. A “needs assessment” is conducted and once the individual’s needs are identified, he or she is introduced to the appropriate service provider.

Suppression component utilizes the resources of the Bulldog Tactical Team, West Fresno Tactical Team, the Multi Agency Gang enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), the District Crime Suppression Teams, Parole and Probation personnel, and patrol officers to address gang-related crime. Suppression efforts are critical to the success of the intervention and prevention efforts. Arrest or the fear of arrest provides an incentive for an individual to enter the MGPI program and a disincentive for youth to enter the gang life style.

Rehabilitation component focuses on stabilizing the home environment for those individuals who are working towards leaving the gang lifestyle. This aspect of this component is referred to as the “Strengthening Neighborhoods,” which comprise of community revitalization and mobilization efforts by building neighborhood consensus around a common set of principles, values, and priorities. This component will not only serve as a community educational tool and give residents an overview of the affects of gang violence, but also serve as a bridge for residents taking leadership roles, and referring participants to MGPI. Finally this component will also assist in the identification of vital resources needed for the target population.

Economic Development component focuses on assisting the former gang member or associate in obtaining meaningful employment. The MGPI has fostered collaborative partnerships with several local service providers to provide employment opportunities assistance and training to individuals who successfully complete the intervention phase of the program.

Mayor's Vision Statement:
An environment where gang members and “wanna-be” gang members obtain educational services, job skills and social skills to achieve success in a socially acceptable manner”

Goal:
Prevent youth crime, violence, and gang involvement while developing a positive relationship between law enforcement officials, school officials, families, and young people to create safer communities

Key Objectives:

1. Remove validated gang members from the gang lifestyle. 
2. Prevent wanna-be/associate level youth/adult from validation/escalating into full gang membership. 
3. Return "school drop-outs" who are validated or wanna-be/associate level youth/adult gang members back into the educational system. 
4. Facilitate the employment of gang involved individuals who have a desire to leave the gang lifestyle.
   
   Mayor’s Gang Prevention Initiative Program Flowchart

The primary objective of the Initiative is to facilitate direct services recommended by independent needs assessment contractors of eligible participants to existing local community agencies that focus on: prevention, intervention, suppression, rehabilitation, and economic development. This coordinated approach through grassroots organizing and public/private partnerships, will allow the Initiative to reinforce local best practices.

MGPI Participant Referral Form

The initiative is comprised of two bodies: The Advisory Board and the Service Providers.
 
Advisory Board includes representatives from local law enforcement, juvenile & adult criminal justice system, education, health, and social services entities. The Advisory Board evaluates emerging trends that address the gang population, facilitate interagency collaboration, troubleshooting, and assist where possible in the progression of the MGPI program, including a review of future and potential resource opportunities.

Advisory Board MOU

The Service Providers include social services providers, community-based organizations and faith-based organizations. The Service Providers provide direct services to MGPI participants and their families.

If you would like to get involved or for more information:
Contact MGPI Hotline at (559) 621-2353 or Email: mgpi@fresno.gov

Useful Links:

Police Activity League Webpage
Gangs Want Your Kids P.S.A.