ANONYMOUS SHERIFF INTERVIEW

Q: From your knowledge, what is the Sheriff Office doing to prevent gang violence?
A: We could chop the heads off most gang leaders after the murder of city council man Odell Williams. Once they're in it's difficult to bring them out. Being in a gang doesn't necessarily mean they interact in violence. We are all about improving the community. It's about the choices you make when you are a member of the gang.
Q: What is the youngest/eldest gang member you have seen?
A: The youngest gang member I have seen was six. I don't think he was initiated through anything he had done' his brother was in a gang. The gang I wouldn't think would classify him as a legit member. But they'd let him tag a long and he would follow his big brother's footsteps. The eldest, they want to re-live their childhood and still want to be young. The oldest I can say I have seen is fifty.
Q: What do you feel Chester can do as a community?
A: I think one of the biggest problems is there isn't enough activities for the kids. If you want to go to the movies you got to go Lancaster, Rock hill, Charlotte. If you don't have a vehicle you are stuck here and must find other activities to do. We need something to occupy people's minds. I have steady income to go out with my kids and most parents don't have that. Gang members don't have their family support and they look upon their peers for that.
Q: How many gangs are in Chester County?
A: There isn't a real legitimate number because there are people saying they are members of this and that. There are maybe three to four tops that we have had issues with. The neighborhood gangs that's where the problems come. There's Brooklyn and Round Tree. When they join, and become a big gang that is when it becomes an issue.
Q: In your opinion, why do most people join gangs?
A: Like I said before it must do with the lack of activities in Chester. Parents should also be more engaged in children's lives. Encourage them to strive to get Honor Roll and to achieve greatness. They got to push themselves to do better.
Q: In your opinion, are gangs mostly connected to drugs or violence?
A: Yes, defiantly. If they aren't doing drugs they are selling them which can lead to violoence if

RESOLUTION

There are many ways to prevent gang violence. There needs to be a raised awareness of the risks of joining gangs. Families can take therapy sessions to strengthen the family. Providing tutoring for kids who are falling behind.