Gangs in Howard County have a criminal presence among local youth, according to police.
“Yes, we have gangs in Howard County. Yes, we have a problem,” said Sgt. George Belleville of the Howard County Police Department, speaking before a group of community activists Wednesday at the Oakland Mills Meeting House.
“It?s going to get worse if we don?t do anything about it, but we can do something about it.”
Most races ? black, white, Hispanic and Asian ? and both genders are members of gangs in and around Howard County, he said. Police have found gang graffiti in all areas of the county; gang-related crimes include theft, drug use and assault.
Troubled youths make decisions to join a gang in middle and high school.
“The rookies are the ones who are going to do more stupid things,” he said.
“That?s the age when you have to nip it in the bud.”
Belleville displayed photographs from the Long Reach High School yearbook, in which Long Reach Crew gang members touted their affiliations in their entries.
The police department is educating principals and teachers about what to look for, such as a child wearing a certain color every day or gang signs doodled in a notebook.
“If we can stop one kid from joining a gang, all of our efforts are worthwhile,” he said.
The Howard County school system?s Student Assistance Program could be expanded to reach students who are at risk for joining gangs, said Laura Smit, director of HC Drug Free Inc., a group that helps prevent drug and alcohol abuse among teens.
“We could get these kids before they get involved,” Smit said.
Wednesday?s presentation was part of the Association of Community Services of Howard County?s monthly program. ACS is a network of human service providers and community advocates.
Gangs in Howard County
Some gangs are Cloud Nine, Long Reach Crew, M-13, S-Mob, Six Pac Crew, Rough Riders, Jessup Mob Posse and Head Bitches in Charge.
