Hazleton Officials: Gang, Drug Activity Increasing

Editor’s note: This story is part of an ongoing series about the growing Hispanic and Latino population in Luzerne County. We at The Highlander believe journalism is the key to education in our world, and we hope to convey the powerful stories of young Latino people within the county. These are the stories no one dares to write.

Behind the glass door on the second floor of Hazleton City Hall, mayor Louis Barletta sits behind his mahogany desk reviewing files for an upcoming meeting. He gets up and retrieves two three-by-two-foot black foam core boards covered with photos, headlines and article clips from The Hazleton Standard-Speaker. He said this is what readers see happening in this city: violent crime, drug activity and gangs.

Barletta is waiting for a federal judge’s ruling on an appeal of the Illegal Immigration Relief Act Ordinance, which could clear the way for the city to fine businesses and landlords who employ or house illegal immigrants. He supports his 2006 Official English Ordinance, which requires all official city documents to be in English only, because he believes it helps people to assimilate into American culture.

Barletta encourages understanding between cultures – his youngest daughter minored in Spanish in college, he said – but he feels that if the government provided more opportunities for immigrants to learn English, which he considers the international language of business, their quality of life would improve. “I feel our government is doing the wrong thing by making it easier for those who do not speak English to not have to learn the language,” he said. “Those who cannot speak English are more likely to work in less desirable jobs.”

Barletta believes legal immigration is positive for the city. “It’s what this country was founded on,” he said. He notes that Hazleton has blossomed into a “more vibrant, younger city” with consistent population and business growth. “It has growing pains, obviously, but the legal immigration here in Hazleton is something I’m very proud of,” he said.

The effects of illegal immigration lie on the other end of the outcomes spectrum – Barletta said it stretches the city’s already lean budget and limited resources, and this can hinder the public services offered to Hazleton’s citizens. “Every time we send a code enforcement officer, a police officer, a fireman to an incident involving an illegal immigrant, it further drains the city’s resources.” According to the mayor, the 2000 budget allocated $500 for English as a Second Language (ESL) courses in the Hazleton Area School District, and because of the growing Hispanic and Latino population, the budget for these courses has grown to $1.5 million.

According to Barletta, Hazleton is the fastest-growing city in the region with a total of 21,788 residents. The population has increased by 50 percent since 2006, most notably after opponents of Barletta’s immigration ordinance said the act would drive out residents, businesses and visitors. However, the tax revenue has stayed the same, he said.

Budget shortfalls leave the police department struggling to protect the growing city. “According to the Department of Justice, there should be two officers per 1,000 citizens in our region. With that said, we should have roughly about 60 officers, but only have about 30. Having so few officers makes it difficult to combat crime,” said Hazleton Police Chief Robert Ferdinand. The lack of manpower forces staff to sort calls by priority, which can leave some callers on hold.

The lack of police coverage has impacted crime rates, Ferdinand said. In 2000, Hazleton had 38 violent crimes on record and by 2007 the number grew to 117. Violent crimes include murder, manslaughter, rape, robbery and aggravated assault.

Ten national gangs with more than 400 known members have taken root in Hazleton as well. Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) is an El Salvadorian gang that has engaged in organized violent acts and a drug cartel. “They’re so violent that what they do is they cut off people’s arms and legs to send them a message,” said Barletta. “Ninety percent of MS-13 members are in the country illegally and they prey on illegal alien children [who are] nine,10, 11 years old and try to recruit them into their gang.” Police have also detected the Latin Kings, Bloods, Crips, Trinitarios, Dominicans Don’t Play and Poder Amor Y Paz in Hazleton.

In 2005, officers were trained to combat gang-related violence and activity. The Aggressive Targeted Anti-Crime Unit was formed to address street and gang violence. “My feeling is that we’re holding the line. [Crime is] getting worse. They are more violent, drug-fueled crimes,” said Ferdinand. Cocaine, heroin, marijuana and prescription drugs are sold throughout the city, he said. “These guys are present and we need to do something about it. We just can’t stick our heads in the sand and pretend it isn’t there,” said Ferdinand.

Barletta feels that after school programs will help deter young people from the allure of the streets. “If we ignore the problem, we’re going to lose them,” said Barletta. Police officers trained in the Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) program visit school districts to help educate young people. Similar to the DARE program, GREAT informs sixth-graders about delinquency prevention, youth violence and gang membership. The lessons focus on providing at-risk youth with respected role models.

Officers periodically conduct meetings with Hispanic and Latino business owners to strengthen communication with this diverse community. Spanish-speaking officers are also building relationships. Ferdinand said the city had a Spanish-speaking Latino officer, but he has since left the force. One officer is fluent and Ferdinand holds a degree in Spanish. He feels his attempt to speak the language helps build the bridge between the community and the force.

“The Hispanic community was reluctant to get involved [with the police], but it is slowly improving,” said Ferdinand.

In a perfect world, Ferdinand would like to see more foot patrol across the city to strengthen contacts with the communities and initiate more positive youth programs.

Corporal John Leonard said officers need the community’s help. “Like any city, it has its issues. It takes more than just a police department to combat crime. The community needs to take a stake in it.”