SAN JUAN, TX -- We all want crime off our streets, but what do you think is the best way to tackle it? Is it more arrests or more prevention programs? How about gang checkpoints?
It may sound unconventional, but that is what officers in San Juan, just east of McAllen, are doing to target gang activity in their area. Officers stop cars at checkpoints and check drivers for violations including insurance, seatbelts and driver's licenses. They say gang members are willing to admit their gang affiliation and allow officers to photograph their gang tattoos for a statewide gang database.
The South Texas Civil Rights Projects has their concerns though. They say the checkpoints could be intrusive, because of unreasonable searches and seizures.
DISCUSS: Should gang checkpoints be installed along Texas Roadways? Why or why not?