Project: Erase gang tattoos

By: North County Times Opinion Staff | Saturday, February 10, 2007 8:49 PM PST ∞

Our view: Getting laser tattoo removal equipment into a local community clinic would be a concrete, and doable step

Think about how hard it is to get a job for someone with gang tattoos all over his (or her) arms, neck, head and face ---- job stoppers, a local tattoo artist has called them.

Unfortunately, the cost of tattoo removal at a private dermatological office may run into the thousands of dollars, so how's somebody wanting out of the gang life and into a productive job going to afford this?

Getting rid of unwanted tattoos is but one facet of the street gang problem ---- a topic pushed back into the public conversation by the tragic and fatal shooting of Oceanside Police Officer Dan Bessant on Dec. 20 allegedly by two juvenile gang members.

The natural response across North County and its civic leadership is that something must be done, but "the what" is always the problem.

Often passionate discussions devolve into more hours of "talk talk" and program promises and ideas beyond the grasp of individuals. And while there are many sensible programs and strategies around, they are neither enough nor are they something that everybody can be involved with.

So here is a reasonably simple, concrete and doable idea that would make a difference and is open to all: Organize a fundraising effort, buy the laser equipment used for tattoo removal, get it in the hands of our community clinics, provide support of either donations of time or money, and give those who want to walk away from the gangster life a chance to compete for jobs.

Jim Mousseau, owner of The Laser Network in Morrison, Colo., says that new laser equipment (a Q-switched laser, a class-4 laser which requires a medical doctor for its operation in this state) costs between $55,000 and $80,000. Used prices are between $20,000 and $45,000. No other significantly large purchases of special equipment are required, he said.

A typical medical treatment room is necessary, but the equipment is not so large as to require dedicated space.

A big cost is for a doctor's time, but because the procedure is relatively straightforward (although it make take multiple treatments to work), regular MDs with training may be capable of doing the work.

One retired dermatologist we know suggested that if the risk of medical malpractice liability were removed, retired doctors might be willing to donate their time and talents to conduct the operation.

An executive at one of our community medical clinics said that such an arrangement would be easy to work out by using the clinic's malpractice insurance to cover the doctor's tattoo removal procedures.

Other soft costs (bandages, etc.) and administrative overhead costs are issues, but not insurmountable ones.

Once the equipment was in hand, the project itself would be scalable according to the need ---- estimates are that it costs the clinic about $100 per average patient visit to operate. Patient fees are on a sliding scale.

With more than 1,500 documented gang members and thousands of others, including wannabees and hangers on, there's plenty of potential work.

Of course, this is the back end of what needs to be a whole range of solutions, including effective intervention among our children aged 10 to 14 to keep them from moving from sweet little kids to gang wannabees to full-fledged gang members.

But execute on this one (or some other concrete step) and we have a success to build on.

Then, maybe, we can get our various governments to get serious about helping us rid our communities of the gangs and all the woe they bring. Let's not let Dan Bessant's life slip away without it becoming a catalyst to change our world.

Any takers out there?

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greatidea wrote on Feb 11, 2007 12:45 AM:NCT is on the right track with this one. Everyone deserves a second chance. Let's show mercy, not judgment. The more gang member who become productive members of society the stronger our society becomes.

Randy wrote on Feb 11, 2007 4:35 AM:Gang members chose to pay for the tattoos originally. Gang members make lots of money selling drugs. They can afford to pay for their own tattoo removals. Make it part of their 12-step program!

Do it yourself! wrote on Feb 11, 2007 8:26 AM:If people are dumb enough to pay to have tatoos put on their bodies then they should pay to take them off out of their own pocket, not from a taxpayers pocket.

On the right track but... wrote on Feb 11, 2007 11:41 AM:Yes tatoo removal is a good thing to retintegrate these folks back into society and becoming productive citizens. But there will never be a waiver of malpractice liability...who came up with that? Citizens have the right not to be unreasonably harmed by medical providers. You can't waive the law. Do you really think there aren't doctors out there who would donate their time for this without a waiver? If so then I sure as heck wouldn't go to them for any procedure of any kind.

Choices & Consequences wrote on Feb 11, 2007 2:19 PM:I agree with both Randy and Do it yourself, those tats cost gang members money to put on themselves in the first place. How about taking some of the money or assets confiscated from the gangs to purchase the equipment. You are going to have a hard time finding citizens willing to donate to this cause when there are so many other community needs that aren't being met. You decorate your body by choice and we choose not to contribute to removing that art by choice.

Randy is Right wrote on Feb 11, 2007 7:43 PM:Make them sell newspapers and earn some money to remove their own tatoos. It's a nice idea, but they need to learn to pay for the consequences of their decision to tatoo. If they are serious about getting out of gang life, they will find a way to raise the money!

Amada wrote on Feb 12, 2007 8:36 AM:Randy, Randy you did not read the article did you? It says that they are and want out of the gangs’ lifestyle and want to get JOBS!!!! They want to live and work just like everyone else!! Who appointed you judge and executioner? I think it is a trip that all these religious radicals beat their chests every Sunday and thank God they are not sinners yet their cups are full of vile things. Not my words these are Jesus words. He also said that even though ours sins make us red as scarlet, he will make us white as snow. So let God judge the condition of their hearts he certainly is entitled to this consideration, you might make a mistake.

Please read the article wrote on Feb 12, 2007 8:42 AM: Do it yourself—please read the article it says the money would come from, “donations” I seriously doubt that you would be a donor. It never mentioned the, “taxpayers” as flipping the bill so don’t get too exited.

Doc wrote on Aug 13, 2007 1:29 PM:I find it rather odd that the previous individuals to comment are probably older "pissed" off at the the world folks who are trying to twist this around into all about the taxpayer. This is what comes from having too much free time lying around and now are taking the time to pass judgement on others. I agree with amanda. Unless you were raised with a silver spoon, gang life was always all around us growing up; and if you didnt join a gang you were targeted by one. I respect the fact that in our bill of rights-we are given not just the rights but the opportunities to second chances. I fully support ex-gang members trying to start over, and would love to see more places open helping them become better members of society. I wish them the best of luck, and for all the nay-sayers--stick to your country clubs and lobsters, and just leave everyone else alone.

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