Gang Members to get Sued in Texas

Fort Worth Considers New Plan To Fight Gangs

FORT WORTH The Fort Worth Police Department’s gang unit is considering a novel plan to get gang members off the streets.

The news comes in the wake of gang-related shooting over the weekend that involved ten victims.

Police say they want to set up three special gang-safety zones.

The first would be on the city's north side.

In that zone, police would have to identify the gang member, give them notice they're being sued and take them to civil court to get an injunction.

Police say the proposal would have an immediate effect.

Critics of the idea say it would be unconstitutional. But supporters say the Texas penal code allows it.

El Paso and San Antonio already have plans in place to sue gang members in civil court.

The district attorney in San Antonio says it has reduced the crime rate in that city.

Fort Worth police stress that the idea is still in the planning stage and is not definitely going to happen.