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Gangs

Over the past several years many Fayette County citizens have asked questions relating to the presence of gangs in Fayette County. Some concerns have been factual in nature while much has been fictional. Criminal street gangs and their associates have the potential to be very dangerous. Most gang members seek gang membership for social status and acceptance and ordinarily are involved in committing property crimes such as theft, vandalism and burglary. Some are involved in crimes of violence, such as armed robbery, aggravated assault and murder. These violent offenders are the reason we take every gang act serious and promote community awareness.

Gangs are becoming more common and their appeal to young people is growing. Fayette County currently has six public middle schools and five public high schools. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the Fayetteville Police Department and the Peachtree City Police Department to provide the Fayette County Board of Education with a School Resource Officer at each one of these middle and high school campuses. Because many children are at risk for joining or being influenced by gangs, the School Resource Officer helps monitor the presence of gang related activity at these public schools.

Gangs are not isolated to being a school campus problem. Parents and guardians face a major challenge: how to keep their kids out of gangs. The following information was written to help you meet that challenge and to inform our community about gangs in Fayette County .

What Is A Gang?

A gang is simply a group of three or more people who have a common objective, interest, identity and mission. Many people who think of the word “gang” immediately associate it with a group of people who are engaged in criminal activity. This assumption does not always prove to be true when it comes to criminal prosecution. In fact Georgia law does not tell us that it is illegal to be in a gang. The law doesn’t apply to gangs until a criminal element is added. This is known as “criminal gang activity”. Even if a gang is not observed committing criminal gang activity it is important for us to identify these groups of individuals to help prevent future criminal acts from occurring.

Are There Gangs In Fayette County ?

The idea of gangs being present in Fayette County is not a new concern. On December 1, 1994, Dequinion Bernard Jackson was arrested by Fayette County Sheriff’s Investigators and charged with Armed Robbery, Murder, Feticide and the Georgia Street Gang and Terrorism Act. Jackson was 15 years old when he shot and killed a Fayette County woman and her unborn baby during a robbery at a north Fayette dry cleaner where she was working. Jackson later admitted that he committed the offense trying to improve his rank in the “Southside Folks” gang. Jackson was charged as an adult in this case and is currently serving a Life Sentence.

According to the Fayette County District Attorney’s Office there has only been two other Georgia Gang Act cases charged since the 1994 Murder. Both of these cases were charged in 2008. One of the cases involved a gang related fight at Fayette County High School and the second case involved gang graffiti being spray painted on a north Fayette County home. Both of these cases were originally misdemeanor offenses, but resulted in felonies because of the gang affiliation. The Fayette County District Attorney’s Office also states that approximately ten cases have been charged in the Fayette County Juvenile Court since 2008. The juvenile cases were all property related crimes that resulted in felonies because of gang affiliation.

Why Do Gangs Develop?

Gangs can develop anywhere and for many reasons. Although gangs have different values and beliefs they generally are created for a sense of acceptance. 

Many gangs may develop from racial issues, social unrest, poverty and the lack of parental support. Traditionally, gangs have primarily been made up of male members. While this is still true, the United States has seen a rapid increase in female membership and female gangs. You will often find local gangs named after the neighborhoods and sometimes even the street in which they congregate.

How do I Know If My Child Is In A Gang?

Discovering that your child is a member of a gang can be a terrifying experience. There are signs that you can watch for and actions you can take to protect your child from living the life of a gang member. 

  • Is your child keeping odd hours or does he/she have unexplained extra money?
  • Has your child changed the way they dress?
  • Does your child have a lot of clothing the same color?
  • Are your child’s grades slipping?
  • Is your child acting out violently?
  • Has your child gotten a tattoo that resembles a gang logo or name?
  • Is your child using unknown hand gestures?
  • Is your child creating writing or artwork that is unknown to you?
  • Does your child wear or have in his/her possession a bandana or piece of material that serves no relevant purpose?

What Should I Do IF My Child Is In A Gang?

The first step to helping a child in a gang is to be caring and provide support. Ask calmly and perseveringly about their involvement. Being closer than normal by showing warm affections can also help you during this time. Speak openly with the child about the situation and gauge how serious the gang issue is. After gaining understanding of the situation contact school personnel and/or the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and inform them about the situation. We will be glad to walk you through this and provide you with additional assistance.

When Should A Parent Begin To Take Steps To Combat Their Child’s Gang Participation?

NOW. Unfortunately the first time some parents find out their son or daughter is in a gang is through law enforcement. A child getting into a gang is not an overnight decision. Parents should look, listen and turn their awareness up a notch. Look at what your child is wearing, whom he or she is associating with and whether there is an overall change in attitude towards you or life in general. Listen to what your child says and especially to what others say. Many parents turn a deaf ear or bristle when they hear from neighbors, other parents and school personnel that their child may be in a gang. Your child may present themselves one way in your presence and have a totally hidden gang life outside the home. Look for the signs and then address the issue. Solicit help from others and then take control. It can be done.

Is There Additional Information I Can Obtain On Gangs?

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office is working together with other local agencies to help you take control of the threat that gangs pose to our community. You can find more answers to your questions by visiting www.fayettegangs.org which is a local collaborative effort put in motion by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, the Fayetteville Police Department, the Peachtree City Police Department and the Tyrone Police Department. On this website you are not only able to gain a better understanding about gangs, but you are also able to report any suspected gang activity occurring in Fayette County .

More Information:

http://www.knowgangs.com

http://www.gangsorus.com

http://www.gangresearch.org

http://www.safeyouth.gov/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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