It's so hard for me to believe that this is happening here, just 10 minutes from my home:
http://www.hickoryrecord.com/servlet/Sa ... 7834160700

Police want to form gang unit
Department asks city for $325,000 to address growing concern in this area


By JENNIFER MENSTER and ANDREW MACKIE
Record Staff Writers
Friday, February 17, 2006




HICKORY - The Hickory Police Department identified 32 members of at least one gang in the Hickory area.

They’ve seen the graffiti. They’ve come in contact with gang members wearing the clothing and displaying the tattoos.

That’s why the department is asking the city for approximately $325,000 for a new gang unit, which will include one supervisor, three officers and equipment.

Gangs do not overrun the city but are something to be concerned about, said Deputy Chief Tom Adkins.

“Like every community throughout North Carolina and the United States, gang activity is a growing concern,â€