Question

A Virginia community is dealing with an increase of gang violence in their streets. Police officers, educators, and community members decide to take action.

They review this statute before making a decision.

Virginia Code § 18.2-46.3:3 establishes Gang-Free School Zones in which there are enhanced penalties for gang participation and recruitment. The zones include school property, public property within 1,000 feet of school property, and school buses.

Which actions could leaders take in accordance with this law? Check all that apply.

increase the penalties for offenses committed by gang members in a school zone
arrest high school students who encourage fellow students to join a gang
target the economic impact a community experiences from gang violence
reduce the level of funding used to prevent gang violence in certain areas
increase the penalties for students wearing gang colors or symbols at school

Answer 1

Correct choices:
- increase the penalties for offenses committed by gang members in a school zone
- arrest high school students who encourage fellow students to join a gang

Why: § 18.2-46.3:3 creates Gang‑Free School Zones and provides for enhanced criminal penalties for gang participation and recruitment on school property, within 1,000 feet of schools, and on school buses — so enforcing those enhanced penalties and arresting persons who recruit students are actions consistent with the statute.

Why the others are not: the statute does not authorize or direct targeting a community’s economic impact from gang violence or reducing prevention funding. And it does not expressly create enhanced criminal penalties simply for wearing gang colors/symbols (disciplinary measures for dress codes are handled separately by schools).