Anti-Drug Group Launches New Chapter

A nonprofit group aimed at steering youths away from gangs and toward jobs has launched a chapter in South-Central Los Angeles.

Men Against Destruction Defending Against Drugs and Social Disorder, or MAD DADS, added a second Los Angeles area unit in December. The chapter, called the Pueblo District, is based at Emmanuel AME Church at 5200 S. Compton Ave.

The mission of MAD DADS is to patrol the community to keep neighborhoods safe from drug activity and gang violence. Their efforts include confronting gang members and escorting children safely from school to home.

Michael Clark, the group’s director, said the division was added to foster an understanding between the African American and Latino communities.

The group is training with the county Sheriff’s Department in a 13-week community policing program to start patrolling the streets in February.

“We’re glad to assist them,” said Lt. Arthur Burges. “Working with the grass-roots group has helped us greatly because they bring police matters to our attention. We’re working together toward a safer community.”

MAD DADS was formed in 1989 by an Omaha father upset over a gang attack on his son. It says it has 25,000 members in 14 states.