Residents, police hope to toughen gang laws

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- They are among Charlotte's worst repeat offenders: the countless number of young men and women involved in local gangs.

Last year alone, nearly 25 percent of the people charged with robbery in Mecklenburg County were known gang members.

Now, there’s a push to back proposed anti-gang legislation.

Supporters say they'll rally in Raleigh next Wednesday hoping to have their message heard loud and clear.

They've marched to City Hall and now they're headed to the state Capitol.

Local leaders, concerned neighbors and police frustrated with Charlotte's soaring crime rate are taking action.

Cops like Major Eddie Levins say the state must act now to slow the growth and power of gangs.

Supporters of a new anti-gang proposal hope to do so by toughening the law.

Specifically, they want to make it illegal to be in a gang, recruit anyone age 16 or under, and give stiffer sentences for those involved in gang activities using guns. The proposal passed the House last summer but was abruptly dropped in the Senate. It’s expected to be re-examined, possibly brought to a vote during the current short session of the General Assembly.

"We need to quit looking at this as a partisan issue and look at it for what it really is," said Levins. "It's about going after criminals."

Still, members of the Senate have been slow in the past to act. One key reason - cost. Democratic Senator Charlie Dannelly told WCNC it's an issue that is foremost on legislator’s minds.

"There may be some things we can do, but I don't think the State is prepared to do a lot of things that people want," he said.

Soon, local legislators may be forced to finally decide.