FIGHT CRIME: INVEST IN KIDS is an anti-crime organization led by more than 3,500 law enforcement leaders -- chiefs, sheriffs and prosecutors -- and survivors of crime. Most of the survivors are parents of murdered children. Crime requires punishment. Punishment may be placing a young offender in custody, or, depending on the crime, imposing a range of other tough sanctions. The bottom line is that residents must be safe walking the streets. Research shows, however, that punishment alone will often not be enough; troubled teens will need help to stop their aggression, substance abuse, or other anti-social behaviors. It is usually not too late to change anti-social patterns of behavior. Sanctions that include strict and effective interventions can direct anti-social and dangerous juveniles onto a different path that will make Americans safer
