Experts Say Gangs Grow When Parents Turn Their Backs

 

Tips For Parents Include Checking Child's Story

OMAHA, Neb. -- A man found shot to death in a driveway near 42nd Street and Fontenelle Boulevard Tuesday morning was Omaha's 13th shooting death of the year.

Verron Jones, 21, was transported to a hospital in very serious condition. He died at Creighton University Medical Center from his injuries. Omaha police are still investigating what led to the shooting.

U.S. Attorney for Omaha, Mike Heavican, said the increase in gun violence in Omaha can be tied to gang activity, and community leaders are working to stop it. Kenny Walker works with Greater Omaha Community Action, a group that targets violence.

"In '88 and '89, when the gang problem just really started birthing here, everybody babied it," Walker said. "Anytime you baby a baby, it's going to grow, and it's a full grown baby now. That's what we're looking at."

Walker said there's different factors contributing to why teens are joining gangs. A big one is the need for support.

"You want to make a gang member? Don't give your child attention," Walker said.

"Everything they're introduced to at first starts out as a good time, and I think that's the catch," said Alberto Gonzalez, a counselor at the Boys and Girls Club.

Like Walker, Gonzalez is working with programs that go into schools and communities, talking about the dangers of gangs.

"We're going to be arranging visits to detox, to jails, to possibly the morgue -- just to teach these kids how precious life really is," Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez said fear also contributes to the problem.

"We need to let young Americans know: Don't be afraid. Don't be scared. Just let us know who's terrorizing our neighborhoods. Who's recruiting these kids?" Gonzalez said.

Both men said violence isn't going away anytime soon, but there is hope.

"We can put a big dent in it, and I believe if you put a big enough dent in it, it will collapse," said Walker.

Gonzalez said parents should know that kids are often enticed into gangs by clothes or expensive gifts, so know where your child is getting things. If they say it's because of a job, check on that.

Don't think gangs are just for teenagers, either. The experts said adults may be recruiting kids and teens into gangs who are 30- to 40-year-olds. Walker added that sometimes, the gang lifestyle is handed down from a parent to a child.

If you want more information about gang activity, counseling, or if you need help call the Omaha Boys and Girls Club at (402) 733-8333.