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What Can We Do? |
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There is a serious gang threat in Northern Va. that is growing by the day, much faster than police resources or community awareness can combat it. So now that we known about the threat, what can everyday, ordinary citizens do to fight against it?
“Prevention, intervention and education are critical aspects,” according to A.J. Turner, Assistant Specialist in the Criminal Department of the Washington district of the FBI.
So what’s the best way to do this? Stay involved with children, whether you are a parent, relative, neighbor or community member. If children feel that someone cares about them they are much less likely to get involved with gangs.
Dave Carver, of the Loudoun County Gang Response Intervention Team, added that we need to “stress the importance of what’s going on.” Too many northern Virginians have no idea of the threat that is quickly building in their neighborhood.
“Community involvement is key to our success,” said Chief Price of the Northern Va. Gang Task Force. While the local anti-gang force is growing, the police have neither the manpower nor the jail space to lock up every gang member.
John Lone of the ATF Special Agent Washington Field Division said that cooperation is crucial in combating the gang threat. “We can’t do it alone. You are our first line of defense. You are our eyes and our ears. You see things, you hear things, just pick up the phone.”
So what should we be looking for? “Graffiti is one of the first indications that gangs are in a neighborhood. It’s like a newspaper on the street,” said Investigator Linda Cernigilia of the Loudoun County police. Graffiti, tattoos, clothing, accessories and hand signs can all be used to identify gangs.
Northern Va. residents are urged to help law enforcement officers combat gangs by learning to recognize and report signs of gang activity and by spreading word to friends and neighbors of the growing gang threat.
Examples of gang graffiti
Examples of gang tattoos
Examples of gang hand signs
How to identify a gang member:
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Warning Signs of Gang Involvement: - sudden change in friends - poor grades - skipping school - “hanging out” - Staying out late - Unexplained money - Drug use - Using gang signs or wearing gang clothes |
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