South L.A. community leaders are stepping forward in an effort to stop the rash of flash mob robberies that have been increasing in the state.
Those involved assert that jobs are what will keep the next generation of young people out of the prison system.
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Among the group arguing for jobs, not jails was Skipp Townsend, the head of the group 2nd Call, who said there is logic in throwing support behind outreach programs rather than continued spending on the correction system in the state.
"We can invest into a system where they understand the difference between a job and a career and get a prevailing wage," said Townsend.
Shane Harris with the People's Association of Justice Advocates says the current crime prevention system isn't enough; it can't be a one-dimensional approach.
"Let's just be honest: throwing a bunch of people in prison didn't do much of anything. So we've got to look at a balance-based approach that seeks to hold people accountable while redirecting them... from that moment of poverty into finding a good job."
Inglewood-based activist Yolanda Davidson appealed directly to young people at the core of the flash mob crimes, saying, "We don't want you to go to prison. We don't want you to die for stealing a purse or some tennis shoes. We want you to live and thrive, and there's other options out here."
Those involved also appealed to Mayor Karen Bass to get L.A. city government into the job development process and help convince young people of the value working provides at the earliest possible age.
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