Crime fighting takes many forms. Patrolling neighborhoods to deter criminal activity and making arrests when crimes do occur are a big part of the job. But increasingly, efforts are underway through community-based policing programs to reach inner-city kids in ways that keep them from becoming easy prey for gangs.

One of the most promising efforts along these lines comes from the LAPD’s Southeast Division, where officers are taking Watts-area kids on surfing trips and to sports events. Already, a marked decline in juvenile arrests has been seen, according to L.A. Times reporter Joel Rubin.

Today, Southeast Division has 13 officers working full time on several community-relations programs — a major commitment of resources in an area of the city that has seen some of the highest crime and poverty rates in Los Angeles. There are some 120 documented gangs in the area, according to the Times story.

Southeast Capt. Phil Tingirides, Officer Scott Burkett and all their colleagues at Southeast Division are to be commended and congratulated for going above and beyond to make a difference in their community. And we thank Joel Rubin for taking notice of their efforts and letting readers of the Times know about this innovative and successful program.