Federal gang bill questioned

A Southland lawmaker's bill that would amp up penalties for gang crime and pour millions of dollars into prevention programs got a mixed reception Tuesday as critics split over the best way to fight street violence. Lisa Friedman in the Daily News.

Two criminal-justice researchers opposed the bill by Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Pasadena, saying it relies too heavily on law enforcement responses that studies show have only a limited impact on crime.

"I don't hear much support for this bill," Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Los Angeles, told the House Judiciary Committee.