Dealing with gangs

October 21, 2009

Dear Sir,

I believe this information to be of help to our community, especially in the position that it presently finds itself. I truly believe there are more good people than bad people on my beautiful island home and let's not forget that good always conquers evil and fear and intimidation will not prevail!

What can you do about gangs in your community?

Participate: Gangs attempt to instill fear by intimidating rival gangs and citizens alike. Their power grows through fear and intimidation. Direct confrontation with violent gang members is best left to police and other law enforcement agencies. However, everyone has the responsibility to work toward a solution. Here are a few ways you can participate.

Attend Police Community Relations and Neighbourhood Meetings: These meetings provide information about neighborhood activities and offer ways to get involved to help improve your neighbourhood. As the BPS and other agencies develop solutions to gang issues, it is even more important to continue the communication and education process for the public. Contact your police or neighborhood organisation for details.

Discuss gangs with your children: Many parents are unaware that their children are involved in gang activity. It is your role to help them understand the consequences of having a criminal record. They need to know the finality of death, which so often is the result of gang violence.

Parents should encourage children to identify and report others who are pressuring them to use or deal drugs or participate in gang activity. Intimidation and fear can preoccupy and destroy a child's ability to concentrate on schooling and to pursue a meaningful life.

Look for warning signs in your child: Parents should look for changes in their child's behaviour. Truancy, declining grades, changes of friends, late hours, isolation from family activities, use of a new nickname, graffiti or tattoos, sagging pants or other new clothing styles are all indicators of possible gang association. If you observe any of these signs, do not ignore them.

Develop a Neighbourhood Watch Programme: Neighbourhoods that show no resistance to gang presence become targets for advanced criminal activity. The Neighborhood Watch programme provides guidance to citizens desiring a more secure neighbourhood. You will probably find others who share your concerns and are willing to address these issues with you.

Encourage Immediate Graffiti Removal: Because graffiti is the most visible sign of gang presence, it's imperative that it be removed immediately. If you see gang graffiti on private property, encourage the owners to remove it immediately. Many neighbourhoods will provide paint to cover graffiti.

NICHOLAS SCAIFE

Southampton