Welcome back to a new post on gang issues in education. Although I try to aim most of my information towards educators, in this post I feel the need to get to the root of gang problems.
Just recently, there is a small community not far from where I live that is having a hard time trying to control the gang problem, which has spiraled out of control there. At this point in time the community has come together, with the police and other gang specialists, to have special sessions for citizens to educate themselves on how to deal with the current problem.
I for one am convinced that the problem can only be controlled if everyone in the community buys into the problem and takes action to stop gang activity. Sadly, I do not feel that everyone in this particular community is as committed to solving this issue, which will only hinder every ones efforts to thwart this problem.
Sadly, many parents are in denial when it comes to their children being in a gang. Even when presented with hard evidence, they keep denying their child’s gang involvement. This is where the problem begins to escalate for everyone involved. The community can do everything in its power to stop the gang problem, such as painting over tags when found, and enforcing a curfew, but the bottom line is it falls into the hands of the parents/guardians of these children.
If a parent denies their child’s gang involvement, then the issue will continue to fester in the community. As the saying goes, it takes a community to raise a child. I feel that if these types of parents do not want to take responsibility for their children then these children need to be held accountable for their actions. As it is, right now the lawyers run the system and will do everything in their power to get these types of criminals off of their charges, instead of helping out with viable solutions.
The way our laws are currently written, if a juvenile commits a crime they are usually tried as a child and will only have to serve time until they turn twenty-one years old, at which time they are set free with conditions. Basically this is just a slap on the wrist and serves no real consequence. What kind of message does one think this sends to a gang member? Unfortunately, it sends a signal that tells the offending perpetrator that its OK to have juveniles commit crimes because they will get off easier on their punishments. One can now see why gangs go after young recruits to do their dirty work.
The bottom line is that once convicted, members need to have harsher penalties imposed for gang involvement, regardless of age. If gang members know that committing a crime will impose a stronger penalty they may be more inclined to think about the actions they are partaking in. I feel this should not only be enforced for their actions on the streets but in our schools as well.
Although I could go on and on concerning this issue, it would be better to just buy a copy of my book, Gangs in our Schools An Educators Guide, where I outline various strategies people can take to deal with the gang issue. You can order a copy of the book by going to the link on the right side of this page and following the order instructions.
Thank you and come again for another posting on gang issues in education.
Gilbert