Public urges independent evaluation of LA Bridges anti‑gang program

During the public comment period, Leonard Shapiro urged the council to evaluate the LA Bridges anti‑gang program, saying the city has been spending roughly $11 million a year on anti‑gang efforts aimed at middle schools and that the city lacks an independent measure of program effectiveness.

Shapiro cited a 1997 report by Malcolm W. Klein of the University of Southern California that he said labeled the earlier project a failure and urged that Klein be asked to participate in follow‑up evaluation work. "Now, if it's a failure and you're giving away $11 million from your general fund, somebody should look into this a little more carefully," Shapiro said.

Shapiro told the council he had reached out to Professor Klein and that Klein reported no one had contacted him for follow‑up. He urged the council to ensure an independent evaluation is performed to determine the program's effectiveness and direct any corrective action needed.