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Given the apparent recent rise in gang violence in Albuquerque and elsewhere around the state, the Legislature seems seriously out of step in tabling anti-gang bills introduced this session.

On the other hand, the knee-jerk tendency — to respond to such crises with the kind of tough law-and-order approach proposed in the bills — often backfires. And there is reason to believe waiting might provide time to fashion a better, more focused approach and ultimately better results.

As Tribune reporter Maggie Shepard wrote Thursday in her front-page article, "Tough tactics on gangs debated," even the bills' sponsor, state Rep. Tom Swisstack, thinks there's merit in rethinking how best to counter a growing gang trend. He plans to reassess, rewrite and submit new bills next year.

That's saying something, because Swisstack also is the director of the Bernalillo County Juvenile Detention Center. His step- back, possible-change-of-heart attitude was in response to the latest gang research, published in the Policy Justice Institute.

The research suggests social intervention programs might actually achieve greater success. These programs, such as after-school activities including organized sports, appear to compete successfully for kids' attention with organized gangs and could have greater impact than getting more draconian in the penal code. Swisstack's bills called for tougher penalties for gang recruitment and stiffer prison sentences for gang members convicted of crimes.

Among those disappointed by the legislative inaction in the current, short, 30-day session is Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz, who was "hoping it would go through, especially based on the fact that Albuquerque passed a gang-registration ordinance." He called it "a major setback for law enforcement" that "sends the wrong message" while police are "trying to take control of criminal gang activity in New Mexico."

However, Swisstack was more receptive to the notion that waiting a year could produce better results.

"Because this is a serious epidemic occurring in New Mexico," Swisstack said, "people here (in the Legislature) are actually saying let's look at options in conjunction with incarceration, and let's see whether or not a bill could be drafted to deal with both of these issues."

With at least 11 lives claimed during a recent gang war in Albuquerque, as a Tribune special series reported in April, legislators should be mindful that legal countermeasures — such as tougher sentences — are needed and soon.

But Swisstack now has a year to fashion a more comprehensive response that can include substantive social measures as well.

Meanwhile, Albuquerque's requiring gang members convicted of a crime to register on a public online list, just like sex offenders are required to under state law, has yet to be implemented.

No registrations have been required, but there have yet to be any gang-related convictions under the law, even though some 221 cases are pending.

Officials cite court delays, but it's hard to point at legislators for tabling new anti-gang laws when current ones are hardly being used to their potential.