DENVER -- The recent shooting death of Denver Bronco Darrent Williams has a lot of people talking about the issue of gangs in the city.

Denver police have not said if they believe the shooting was gang-related, but they said gangs are a problem. They said it has been difficult dealing with the gang problem due to a lack of resources.

Police said much of the money the federal government gave to cities for gang intervention is being canceled to fight terrorism.

"The reality is, it's a national issue," said Rev. Leon Kelly of Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives.

Police said gang violence has been consistent for years. But Kelly said every seven years it gets bad enough in Denver to make national news.

In 1993, a baby was hit by a bullet at the Denver Zoo. In 2000, Kelly's nephew was killed in a shooting and earlier this month Williams was gunned down.

"It's a societal issue that's a lot bigger than putting someone in jail," said Denver Police Chief Gerry Whitman. "I really don't think we can arrest our way out of this."

A former gang member named Eric, who did not want to give his last name, said in the old days gangs fought over things like colors and turf. Now, he said, it's about drugs and it's much more difficult to intervene.

"Nine times out of 10, they don't want to get out because they don't see anything better than what they have," Eric said.

Programs like Open Door said they are now focusing on younger kids.

"We've got to put our money where our mouth is. This program is running on $250,000 a year and that's not nearly enough to handle the gang problem in this city," said former Denver district attorney Norm Early.

Former Denver Bronco Claude Minor helped bring rival gang members together for a summit. He said it helps when Bronco players and other well-known people get involved.

"It helps having people who truly care. Young people are influenced by that," he said.

Kelly and those at Open Door said they would rather build a child than try to repair an adult. They said it is frustrating that so much money goes to prisons when not enough money is going to gang intervention and prevention programs.