Source: https://merionwest.com/2019/01/19/one-and-done-studying-the-first-step-acts-lone-anti-gang-restriction/
Timestamp: 2019-04-21 18:58:45+00:00

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First Step Act supporters clearly believe that the use of 18 U.S.C. § 521 constitutes the “best practice” when it comes to federally combatting America’s Gang Crisis. For gang members who committed gang-motivated crimes, the First Step Act includes only one specifically identifiable protection. If a defendant was convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 521, which increases punishment for gang crimes, that prisoner is ineligible for First Step Act release.
Protect against gangs and gang crime.
Sentenced under 18 U.S.C. § 521.
GGIA plans to look for those totals from both the period from January 1, 2018 to January 1, 2019, as well as for the entire time since 18 U.S.C. § 521 was first passed into law.
A 2018 GGIA survey looked into gang numbers in Georgia. The total came to over 71,000 gang members and associates. Federal estimates soon backed GGIA’s findings when the FBI stated that Metro Atlanta itself had 50,000 gang members.
In addition, GGIA’s work gained significant media attention. GGIA’s non-partisan, fact-driven study has been utilized by sources as esteemed as Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr.
GGIA and its members dedicate countless hours to training federal, state, and local authorities to protect the public from gangs and gang crime. 18 U.S.C. § 521 is highly placed within the First Step Act, a high-profile piece of federal legislation. GGIA is in hopes that its forthcoming study on the use of 18 U.S.C. § 521 will educate, encourage the exchange of information, and ultimately help lower the threat of gangs and gang crime in Georgia and nationally.
James “Jimmy” Callaway serves as the President of the Georgia Gang Investigators Association and is the Chief of Police for the City of Morrow, Police Department in Metro Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Callaway has authored this column in his personal capacity. The views expressed above are the Author’s own and do not necessarily express those of the Georgia Gang Investigators Association or the City of Morrow.
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