Yakima Police and Community Involvement to Tackle Gang Problem

Yakima Police Chief Dominic Rizzi, Jr. is determined to get a handle on the area's gang problem. The chief says at this point, the area's gang problem, when compared to other cities is in its infancy. But he says it will grow in the next five years if Yakima does not take quick action. Rizzi says he wants to involve the community more in the fight including a way to identify problem gang members and take them off the streets. He says community involvement and the success of the gang free initiative will be the keys to getting a handle on the areas gang problem.

The chief says his department is in the process of creating a system in which people could report problem gang members so community members can become the eyes and ears of the Yakima Police Department.