Mayor Andy Berke has pushed back against allegations claiming the police department harasses gang members.
In a recent candidate forum, mayoral contender Councilman Larry Grohn, said the city's anti-gang measures have failed, citing figures from a Times Free Press news article.
Even though police have arrested hundreds of gang members, most of them were only charged with misdemeanors "because this police department harasses gang members and doesn't take care of the crime problem," Grohn said.
"Councilman Grohn demonstrated that he is out of touch and has no idea what sacrifices our officers make every day to keep our streets safe," Berke said in released statement. "If you are in a gang and you commit a crime ---you should go to jail. Period. I don't call this harassment. I call it the law."