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Will The Gang Truce Hold In the Vidal Era?
posted (June 28, 2017)

Williams also gave us an update about the state of the gang truce which he and community activist Dianne Finnegan orchestrated earlier this year. Williams's transfer has caused some distress for some members of the Southside gang community, who fear the tactics of his replacement, former GSU Commander, Mark Vidal. Williams told us that he has spoken with gang leaders about upholding the truce, and has urged them to continue to work alongside the police. Here's what he had to say about that meeting...

ACP Chester Williams - OC, Southside Police
"Just yesterday myself and Ms. Finnegan met with the gaggle of guys and we discussed with them basically what is expected that my departure does not mean we go back to the old but rather that we remain on course to continue to do good, to continue to respect their lives and the lives of others. I explained to them the importance of their lives to their families and that every life does matter including theirs and regardless of what people may say to them or say about them, they must always keep their heads up high and focus on what lies ahead of them and that is to ensure that they remain alive for the betterment of themselves and their families."

Reporter
"Now sir was this meeting that was held with the prominent gang figures in the city itself.  If it was, what were some of their concerns that they actually brought to the table; if you can share any?"

ACP Chester Williams
"Well the intervention was at the Racoon Street Police Station and I will not go into details as to what was discussed because you know that when you do have interventions and mediations, confidentiality is essential, that is one of the reasons why the guys feel so free communicate with us because whatever we share, is never discussed in the public. So in terms of going into what was said, I will only go as far as to say that they are disappointed yes and there is some degree of uncertainty among them as to what will become of them but my thing to them was to assure them that all is not lost and I told them what Mr. Vidal has said to me that he is not coming with the intention to brutalize no one, that is not his style and so they felt a bit more easy after I had explained to them and so they will just wait and see what happens when the transition is completed."

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