Rules pose steep hurdles for "opting out" of gang injunctions
People who have received gang injunctions can be jailed and prosecuted for interacting with each other in specified zones. The injunctions are designed to deter gangs by adding harsher punishments to gang-related activities; but the injunctions stick for years, and can impede aging men who've abandoned the gang lifestyle and want to start a normal life. Criteria for getting the injunction removed, including working or going to school full time and proving gang disaffiliation, are hard to meet – especially for people who typically have a criminal record. "Some people did need a second chance that were gang members. They were changing, they became more mature." The detailed story on Operation Opt-Out is on Voicewaves.