Workshop set to target gangs

Recent cases involving the Vice Lords gang have illustrated that Lebanon is not immune to gang activity.

In an effort to combat this, Lebanon police will hold a gang workshop Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. in the sanctuary at Journey Church.

Information presented will include what defines a gang, the different types of gangs, information about local gangs, the structure of gangs, why youth join gangs, early indicators of gang involvement for parents to be aware of and much more.

According to the National Gang Center, over the past decade, annual estimates of the number of gangs have averaged around 25,000 nationally with smaller cities, such as Lebanon, accounting for just over 30 percent.

Over the past decade, annual estimates of the number of gang members have averaged around 750,000 nationally.

Researchers have found that smaller cities and rural counties, whose gang problems are relatively more recent, are more likely to report juvenile gang members.

“Keeping the youth of our city away from gangs and gang-related crimes is a top priority for the police department,” said Chief Scott Bowen. 

It is much easier to keep a child out of a gang than to try and get them out once they become involved, according to Bowen.

Tuesday's workshop is free to attend and open to the public.