The latest Orange County crime task force needs to be the last
After a rash of gang-related shootings, a new a task force met lastweek to deal with the rise in violent crime in Orange County.
“It is very disturbing to me that within the first few months of this year, we have seen a number of senseless deaths that occurred involving young people,” Jerry Demings said. “That should be concerning to all of us.”
Solving the problem will take a longterm, unrelenting and comprehensive effort. On that count, we have failed as a community. The best evidence is Demings’ statement.
He made it in 2016. Demings was Orange County’s Sheriff when he announced a “violent crime intervention task force.” Lastweek as Orange County Mayor, Demings introduced the Orange County Citizens Safety Task Force.
“There’s a certain sense of urgency becausewe have people dying,” Demings said.
It’s not Demings’ fault he keeps repeating himself. It’s a widespread lack of resolve when it comes to addressing problem areas in and around Pine Hills.
We’ve thrown plenty of task forces, revitalization and intervention programs at them. Those initiatives have done some good, but the bullets keep flying.
Homicides have increased 22% this year in the county. Therewere 255 shootings between April and October, compared to 142 for that period last year.
Lawenforcement officials say about 65% of the shooting were gang-related. At least five people have been killed in the latest turf war, including 3-year-old Daquane Felix Jr.
Hewas playing inside his Pine Hills home in September when gunfire sprayed the front of the house. That made a few headlines, though not as many as would have if a toddler were gunned downin Windermere.
Unless you live in Pine Hills, it’s all too easy tomove on to the next story or issue or campaign event.
“The only time people have interest in Pine Hills [is] when the crime goes up and elected officials want our votes,” said Mark Butler, who heads a community engagement organization.
Pine Hills residents understandably chafe when that area is singled out. Like the rest of Orange County, their neighborhood is largely made up of good people whowant to live in peace. But too often, they can’t.
Is that due to apathy, over-policing, under-policing, racism, government neglect, the break down of the family structure— all of those and more?
The explanations are many and can tread into sensitive territory. At lastweek’s initial meeting of the task force, some members objected when lawenforcement officials used the term “gangs.”
The discussion got lively, which is not a bad thing. Airing out the facts and feelings must be part of this process.
This task force is taking a comprehensive approach. The 35 members divided into subcommittees focused on prevention, intervention, enforcement and prosecution. They should delve into what hasworked in other cities.
One program that stands out is Operation Ceasefire, which gives gangmembers a choice. Lay down your guns and receive an array of services that lead to productive lives, or persist with violence and face aggressive enforcement with enhanced penalties.
The carrot-and-stick approach began in Boston in the 1990s and has been successful in cities like Oakland, Indianapolis and Cincinnati.
Here’s the frustrating part— when crime was spiking four years ago in Orange County, leaders considered implementing Operation Ceasefire. They didn’t because it required more supervisory personnel than was available.
They opted for a program called Operation RISE, which stepped up lawenforcement. Here’s another frustrating part— the crime rate dropped17% in six months, then the program faded away.
Lack of manpower and commitment are not going to solve anything.
Whatever role lawenforcement plays, everyone concedes Orange County can’t arrest itsway out of this dilemma. Toomany young people feel they have no better alternative than joining a gang.
Addressing that requires sustained community engagement and resources. There are programs out there, like one run by the United Foundation of Central Florida. It’s based at Evans High and mentors 50 to 60 students a year.
Organizers say four times that many students want to participate, but such programs depend on grants and donations. The money isn’t there. Neither is the supply of mentors willing to get their hands dirty.
Many on the task force have lived the frustrations. They can’t just avert their eyes until the next 3-year-old gets caught in a crossfire.
The question is not whether they will come up with a viable plan. The question is whether all of us— government agencies, businesses and volunteer organizations— will have the determination to make it work. Check back in a few years.
If community leaders are unveiling another task force, you’ll know we failed again.
Editorials are the opinion of the Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board and are written by one of its members or a designee. The editorial board consists of Opinion Editor Mike Lafferty, Jennifer A. Marcial Ocasio, Jay Reddick, David Whitley and Editor-in-Chief Julie Anderson. Send emails to insight@orlandosentinel.com.