Gang Task Force

Gang Awareness

Most of society, including parents, have had no personal contact with gangs.  The exploits of gang members have only been viewed on television, in newspapers, movies, and books.  Many believe that gangs only exist in the harshest city environments and are lulled into a sense of security by living in suburbs.  During the past decade, just as families have migrated to rural areas across the nation, so have gang members.

When juveniles living in suburbs and rural areas begin exhibiting gang-like behavior, society is quick to say that kids will be kids and that they are just emulating what that have seen in movies and heard through music.  It is believed that the juveniles are simply expressing themselves.  Unfortunately with the advent of the Internet, youth living in the most rural of areas can now access gang information from across the nation. 

Gang membership can damage a juvenile's future.  Most members associate with other members which reinforces their views and promotes further gang activity.  Students are more likely to have attendance issues, poor grades, and commit more serious crimes as their involvement increases.  All gang activity should be taken seriously.   

Who is at risk for gang recruitment?

• Males and females
• Friends involved with gangs
• Use of alcohol or other drugs
• Family members involved with gangs 
• Poor academic performance
• Display general aggressiveness or chronic delinquency problems
• Experience social deprivation or isolation
• Have "extra" time on their hands 

Why do kids join gangs?

• Allure of gang life style
• Identity or recognition
• Money
• Protection
• Intimidation
• Lack of alternatives
• Family history
• Surrogate family

What are the early signs of gang involvement?

• Truancy
• Decline in grades
• Change in friends
• Lack of interest in school activities
• Drawing graffiti
• Imitating gang dress and behavior
• Increased conflict at home and school
• Glamorizing gangs
• Use of drugs and alcohol
• Use of handsigns

What can parents do?

• Develop good communication with your child
• Know your child's friends
• Participate in your child's education
• Be aware of your child's clothing, belongings, and room
• Occupy your child's free time
• Check up on your child
• Spend time with your child
• Give your child responsibility
• Don't let your children dress in gang-style clothing
• Pay attention to your child's drawings (do not allow gang graffiti)
• Do not let your child roam the streets

The Wood County Gang Task Force

The Wood County Gang Task Force serves as a resource hub to educate the community on warning signs of gang activity.  It is comprised of over 150 members representing more than 100 law enforcement agencies throughout the United States and Canada.  Gang Task Force representatives have conducted over 400 presentations throughout Wood County and the surrounding areas to parents, teachers, law enforcement, and the public.

Graffiti Removal Project

The Wood County Gang Task Force offers the Graffiti Removal Project to property owners in Wood County affected by graffiti.  One notified of graffiti, the team removes the graffiti free-of-charge within 14 days, weather permitting.

Click here to download the Graffiti Identification, Removal and Referral Form

Juvenile Diversions

A Juvenile Diversion is the process of discussing the ramifications of anti-social and illegal behavior with high-risk youth and the family unit.  The main goals are to increase communication between the parent and the youth and to divert the youth from formal involvement in the juvenile justice system.

Click here to download the Diversion Referral Form

For more information or for help, contact the Wood County Prosecutor's Office at 419-354-9250.