Reuben Greenberg

Chief Greenberg knew the answer

“  Gang members targeted in Calif. sweep LONG BEACH, Calif. - Law enforcement authorities fanned out across the city early Tuesday in a huge sweep of gang members aimed at taking down violent offenders. More than 400 federal agents and local police officers took part in the campaign that started at around 4 a.m., said Mike Campbell, a spokesman for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. ” I'm sure many Californians are saying "WTF took so long?"  But in the next moment they realize that this is meaningless - unless the gang-bangers are put on ice.  In 1982 The Los Angeles Times profiled Charleston, SC Police Chief Reuben Greenberg under the headline: "A Black, Jewish, Roller-Skating Cop Brings A New Way to Fight Crime to the Old South."   Appearing on 60 Minutes, which is where I discovered him, the Chief revealed his no-nonsense formula for handling these guys, and I paraphrase: "Any man convicted of serious crime should be incarcerated until he's 35 (45?) years old,  no  matter the offense.  At that age the juices that drive these people dissipate, and they'll be receptive to living a peaceful, honest life.  But, not before." I guess they forgot.