AUSTIN – Gov. Rick Perry has awarded more than $3.1 million in grants to nine programs to expand juvenile gang prevention efforts along the Texas-Mexico border. These grants are administered by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division.

 

“Gangs are a threat to Texas communities, especially along the border, where drug cartels often use these young Texans to commit serious crimes, including human smuggling, robbery, assault, auto theft, drug trafficking, extortion, fraud, home invasions, identity theft, murder and weapons trafficking,” Gov. Perry said. “These funds will help these communities administer programs to keep young Texans out of the grips of these ruthless gangs, help them achieve a brighter future and protect our state.”

 

The Texas Border Gang Prevention Coordination Assistance Program replicates the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s Comprehensive Gang Model. These programs use targeted gang suppression efforts and mobilization of criminal justice professionals, community leaders and residents to engage at-risk youth in anti-gang strategies, including access to academic, economic and social opportunities designed to rehabilitate and hold gang-involved youth accountable.

 

Recipients of the Texas Border Gang Prevention Coordination Assistance funds include: