In an event sponsored by Capitol Neighborhoods Inc. Thursday, Officer Lester Moore of the Madison Police Department and former MPD Captain Luis Yudice emphasized gang awareness and prevention to residents.
""The gang issue in Madison is not just a police problem, it's a community problem,"" Moore said.
A gang is considered to be three or more people who have a common identifying sign, symbol or name and whose members engage in criminal activity.
Yudice, security director for the Madison Metropolitan School District, said students join gangs for multiple reasons, including a desire for prestige among friends, making money, a sense of identity and protection.
""Youth violence and gangs go hand in hand,"" he said. ""It's considered a national health problem.""
According to Moore, Madison has its fair share of gang-related activity, with approximately 1,400 gang members and associates in the area.
""All of the [police] agencies within Dane County are dealing with gang members, and we work together through an information-sharing network,"" Moore said.
Moore noted that unlike other areas of the country, gangs in Madison are generally not divided by race.
The Madison Metropolitan School District is actively working to prevent gang membership and intervene in gang-related activity in schools, according to Yudice.
""Children can't learn if they feel afraid in our schools,"" Yudice said.
Several programs exist in Madison to assist gang-involved and at-risk youth. One such program is the Madison Gang Project, a grassroots organization devoted decreasing gang activity in the community.
""I encourage community members to become involved in prevention and intervention efforts by donating their time and skills,"" Moore said.
Community members should also be on the lookout for suspicious behavior and activity, Yudice said, such as graffiti, body markings and large groups of people all wearing one color.
Yudice cautioned community members not to jump to conclusions.
""Everything has to be done in a very respectful manner,"" Yudice said. ""Gang members are not necessarily evil.""
