(Editors note: I briefly stepped out of class and missed the very beginning of the presentation on Gang Identification. My fellow classmates kindly informed me that the first slide of the presentation said not to share or disclose any information from the presentation without consent from Major Reece or the Sheriff's Office. I touched base with Major Reece after the presentation and was given permission to share some of the information presented. Below is a brief recap of what was presented. I appreciate that the Sheriff's Office is allowing me to blog about my experience in the citizen's academy. I appreciate even more that they recognize it is my blog and ask me not to include information rather than instruct me not to include information. They very easily could have shot down the idea of the blog before it ever began. This is my first attempt at a blog and well I don't really know what I am doing so hopefully it has been at least half as interesting to read as it has been to participate!)
Major Daryl Reece presented on Gang Identification.
Believe it or not, Johnson County does have gangs. Although it's not a big problem like major cities may see, there are various gangs in JC. According to the FBI there are 1.4 million gang members in the US and gang activity is increasing. There are an estimated 200 gang members in Johnson County (based on a survey of inmates in custody the last 2 years). The gangs are hybrids and are not well-organized or very active within the county. Your little girl may not be as innocent as you believe... many gangs now include women!
Major Reece discussed how one becomes a gang member and how one gets out of a gang.
We were shown tattoos and signs that are commonly used by gang members as well as the different names gangs go by.
Most gang members in JC come from a middle class family. Reasons why someone might join a gang include:
- Excitement
- Love and Attention not getting at Home
- Peer Pressure
- Financial Benefit
- Safety
- Family Tradition
The gang culture swirls and spreads through rap music. That doesn't mean that everyone who listens to rap music is in a gang, but be aware if your kids listen to rap. Kids learn about and communicate with gangs often through rap music.
Johnson County has a Night Light program that may help reduce the risk of juveniles becoming involved in gangs.
Night Light is a program operated by Juvenile Court Services. Court Services Officers (CSOs) have the authority to visit juveniles at home, school, work, or elsewhere. The program consists of CSOs teaming up with officers from local police departments and the sheriff’s office to conduct visits during nontraditional work hours which include:
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Major Reece spoke briefly about Anti-Government Extremist Groups and important dates in their history. Did you know that the only law enforcement office Anti-Government Extremists recognize is the Sheriff's Office? It's because the Sheriff is elected rather than appointed.
And last but not least, Major Daryl Reece spoke about Personal Safety.
Car safety: What's in the trunk of your car? It's a good idea to keep an old phone charged up and in the trunk. In the event you are pushed in to the trunk you can use the phone to call 911. Remember, you may have upgraded to a new cell phone but you can still use your old cell phone to call 911. It's also a good idea to keep a flashlight in your trunk. Be aware of your settings particularly when alone, at night or in an unfamiliar area. Keep your keys in your hands and ready to use as a weapon if needed. Other items to consider carrying in your purse on your person are keys, $, whistle, flashlight and OC Spray (try to get 10% versus the smaller dose of 2%). If approached by a stranger who wants your wallet, purse or keys throw them on the ground and run in the opposite direction. Many times they want your $ and car, not you. If your car breaks down it is best to stay with your car, call for help and use small signs that indicates you need help. Don't use the big signs that obstruct your view or you may not see danger approaching. Do not accept a ride from a stranger. Don't program your home address in to your GPS system. If you feel like you are being followed, don't drive directly home! Make multiple turns or drive to your local police station.
Home safety: Have an alarm system and link it to law enforcement so that if a break-in occurs they are dispatched to your residence. Don't leave your home unlocked when you are not home. If you are working in the backyard don't leave your front door unlocked or your garage open. Make a video recording of your belongings so that if a burglary occurs you have something to show police and/or your insurance carrier (this is a good idea in the event of disaster as well... fire, flood, tornado, etc.). Also a good idea to record serial numbers of items if available, again for identification purposes in the event they are stolen or destroyed. Burglars don't want to attract attention to themselves so alarms and sensor lights are good to have to deter burglars.
CCW: Concealed carry, or CCW (carrying a concealed weapon), refers to the practice of carrying a handgun or other weapon in public in a concealed manner, either on one's person or in proximity. If you are going to CCW, get properly trained and know the law.
Active Shooter drill: Active shooter drills should be performed in schools just as routine as fire and tornado drills but since they most likely aren't, teach your children what to do if an active shooter comes in to their school. They should be aware of their surroundings and know where the closest exit is. Evacuate if possible for best chance at survival.
Thank you Major Reece for the tips! This wasn't listed as a topic but when Major Reece asked if we had been talked to about personal safety and we answered no, he spent a few minutes going over safety tips.
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