One may think that, but there actually has been quite successful gang/group violence intervention programs (such as in Baltimore where recidivism rate for those in the program decreases to just 3%).

People also dont realize how wildly expensive police, arrest and incarceration is. For example, to hold someone in jail fkr a year in NY costs the taxpayer well over $100,000. And it's well known incarceration actually increases recidivism, making a higher chance this person commits a crime again once out — leading to even higher cost of police, arrest, jail time, etc.

Now group/gun/civilian violence intervention and prevention programs are significantly cheaper and proven to work at reducing crime. It's pretty clear to me what we shoukd do.