Texas Gov. Rick Perry praises police group, transnational anti-gang state law

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Texas Gov. Rick Perry said Friday that in too many cases transnational gangs have law officers outgunned but that police help is on the way with a recently passed state law.

Perry told the Texas Municipal Police Association that the new law will allow for more electronic monitoring of gang members, subject them to possible civil lawsuits and establish "gang-free zones" in public places like schools, playgrounds and youth centers.

"That puts some teeth in the efforts to combat one of the biggest threats I think that we have in the state right now and that's with transnational gangs," Perry said. "In too many cases they've got you outgunned. They're very well organized, and they're better funded than ever before."

Perry, who signed the bill into law in June, said gang violence is a problem statewide. He has been particularly outspoken against gang activity along the Texas-Mexico border.

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