The safety of our children and the growing threats of gangs in our communities are of great concern to me. The single greatest tool we have in preventing gang activity is involvement of parents. Plain and simple, the more involved parents are in their children's lives, the less likely children are in becoming members of a gang, doing drugs, committing crime or committing suicide. National statistics tell us that parents spend an average of 15 minutes with their children each week. If we change this statistic, we can change the opportunities that our children have to become involved in gangs.

The fact that you have these concerns and are looking for solutions and preventative measures is a tremendous step in the right direction. When you ask yourself the question of whether your child is involved in a gang, ask:

* Is your child experiencing severe mood swings
* Is there a recent drop in their grades
* Is there a sudden change in their friends
* Is there a sudden change in their beliefs
* Do you see strange doodling on their personal items
* Is your child wearing one color of clothing
* Is your child changing clothes at school
* Do you have valuables missing out of your home

Any one of these factors singly, may not make your child a gang member. Look for the warning signs and if you see or suspect anything (no matter how small) take action. Immediately talk with the School Resource Officers (SRO). I have placed an SRO in every school in Richland County so that you have a resource to assist you and so that police officers can be more involved in teaching, counseling and supporting our children. Participate in your child's daily activities. Know what they are doing on the computer, on the telephone and whom they are hanging out with. Our Gang Task Fource also stands ready to assist you in preventing gang activity, getting your child out of a gang an in educating your family and communtiy group in these issues. Our children can become model adults, and the Richland County Sheriff's Department can ony be successful, when our citizens get involved.

Sincerely,
Leon Lott

additional useful information:
Community Service Division 576-3033 Gang Task Force 264-8122