Health officials get update on gangs

BY KELLY KRAMP
ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER

GUILFORD COUNTY – The Guilford County Board of Health is taking stock of gang activity in county schools.
The board heard a report Monday from Guilford Coun*ty Sheriff BJ Barnes on gangs and the effects of drug on pub*lic health.
He said all types of gangs are present in Guilford Coun*ty Schools, from the Crips and Bloods to MS-13, one of the most violent gangs.
But many people don’t real*ize gangs are a local problem because the signs and graffiti are cleaned up as soon they’re found, he said.
And, he said, the signs of be*longing to a gang have changed over the years. It’s not just wearing colors, but how clothes are worn, like rolling up a pant leg, Barnes said.
“I’d like to tell you we don’t have it (gangs) to worry about here in Guilford County, but we do have that to worry about in Guilford Coun*ty,” Barnes said.
Most teenagers join gangs, Barnes said, because they’re not getting the attention they need at home.
Once they’re in, members commit crimes, looking for money and drugs to trade and sell on the street, Barnes said.
He said school resource offi*cers will be on the lookout for gang signs as the school year begins and take a zero toler*ance approach to gang activity. “We’re trying to do every*thing we can to give kids in our schools a safe environ*ment,” Barnes said.
In other business, the health department is already prepar*ing for flu season. The depart*ment will again hold flu clin*ics and has already ordered 5,300 doses of flu vaccine.
kkramp@hpe.com |888-3536

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