> I thought that I would share some information with you, very generic in
 > nature. You can usually tell when a gang has come to the neighborhood or a
 > gang is about to claim a neighborhood as their turf. Activity escalates,
 > and it usually takes several weeks for them to get a good start.
 KB> How do neighborhoods deal with this type of thing at the beginning
 KB> when they are getting started? How tough should we be? Do you have
 KB> guidelines for those who see these things getting started?  Ken
At the very least, I would report possible gang activity to your local police
department. It might also be time to start talking with your neighbors about
the potential for what is about to happen. If you being to see what you think
are drug transactions, always call it in to the police. You might also have
one or more of your neighbors start video-taping activity during certain
times of the day and night. Another good start is to start recording car
descriptions and tag numbers. This type of information is very helpful to the
police.
The main thing to realize is that the problem will not go away and it will
probably escalate. If you and your neighbors are not willing to file charges
or assist the police by doing some of the above, you will basically give the
gang the neighborhood. You might even think about starting a neighborhood
watch organization. It is amazing how effective these organizations can be.
It is also good to get together with your neighbors from time to time, get to
know them, and socialize a little bit. Talk about the problems each of you
are facing and ask the local police to attend your meeting for questions and
answers. This is the start, your neighbors have to be willing to follow
through and file the charges, serve as witnesses, etc. There is strength in
numbers, and organization of the good citizens in the area is very important.
I'm not talking about strapping on 6-guns and having a war, rather to use
your heads and the law to solve the problem. There is no need for you or your
neighbors to risk their lives in solving this problem. Let the police solve
the problem, just give them reasonable assistance in helping to provide
information they will need. If it is time to serve as a witness, step forward
and do so.
If you or a member of your family are threatened, file the police report
whether charges can be filed or not. Ask the same of your neighbors. These
reports can be used to establish the gang or a particular residence as a
public nuisance at a later time and gives you additional options. This is
just a thumbnail sketch of tactics, I hope it helps some.
Tom Rightmer - A Victims' Rights Advocate
... Xerox never comes up with anything original.
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