NEW LAW DESIGNATES GANG-FREE ZONES

Salt Lake Tribune -- A new law enabling cities to designate gang-free zones --- giving police the authority to disperse suspected gang members loitering in certain locations -- took effect this month.

But few cities are jumping to use it.

Sponsored by Sen. Jon Greiner, R-Ogden, the legislation passed after weeks of debate over whether it would foster racial profiling or infringe upon constitutional rights. Under the new law, loitering gang members can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor if they don't leave a gang-free zone. Offenders can be subject to a $100 fine.