American law enforcement is trying to wrap its arms around this phenomenon that has taken over the country - teen takeovers, such as the one that occurred in East Liberty over the weekend.
Pittsburgh Police Chief Jason Lando has been working to find a solution, but he tells Marty Griffin on KDKA, police can't do it alone.
“We got to find things for these kids to do that are positive, we have to hold these kids accountable in the court system when they break the law, it’s just can’t be these officers out there chasing these kids around all the time,” said Chief Lando.
Around midnight on Saturday, police cleared a disorderly crowd of around 150 juveniles in East Liberty.
Lando says that cities all across the country in major and smaller areas are being affected.
Some community leaders recently announced an upcoming health, wellness and safety street team to engage youth and de-escalate potential conflicts.
On a positive note, Chief Lando says from a law enforcement perspective, this was the best 4th of July that Downtown Pittsburgh has had in the past five years with no injuries or large fights reported.
The phenomenon is happening all across the country
The phenomenon is happening all across the country
