The State Senate in Albany is expected to approve a measure today that targets gangs.
The measure sponsored by Senator Martin Golden increases penalties for gang related crimes and also creates gang prevention programs in New York schools. Prosecutors will also have more options when charging alleged gang members.
The legislation comes after an increase in gang violence in Suffolk County. Several murders in recent months have been blamed on the MS-13 gang.
In April, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced he would send 25 state troopers to Suffolk County to help in the fight against MS-13. He said the troopers would provide intelligence, expertise and state of the art equipment that could be used against the gang.
“We will not rest until MS-13 is put out of business,” Cuomo said last month.
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