(07/03/06) NEWARK ? Newark Mayor Cory Booker began the seemingly huge task of cleaning up his city?s streets by meeting with U.S. Attorney Christopher Christie Monday.

On his first full day in office, Booker sent a message about crime on the streets of Newark. The Newark Police Department will join a federal anti-crime task force that was established in November. Under the plan, gang members convicted of committing crimes in Newark will be sent to federal prison where there?s no bail or parole.

Booker says the city has been blanketed with a high level of crime and violence for too long. The U.S. attorney had previously implemented a similar plan in Camden. One year after the crackdown began, the crime rate dropped.

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