N.M. Gang Members Far Outnumber Law Enforcement

N.M. Gang Members Far Outnumber Law EnforcementN.M. Gang Members Far Outnumber Law Enforcement

Samantha Manning-KFOX 14 Las Cruces Bureau Reporter
Posted: 5:00 pm MDT October 18, 2011
Updated: 9:35 pm MDT October 18, 2011

LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- New Mexico ranks among the top three states with the highest number of gang members per police officer, along with Illinois and California.

For every member of law enforcement, there are between four and six gang members, according to Tamera Marcantel, Program Manager of the New Mexico Gang Task Force.

The Las Cruces Police Department said that it's true that they're far outnumbered by gang members, but said that's only because in a city of more than 90,000 people, it's inevitable there will be more criminals than officers.

Four out of the 181 police officers in Las Cruces work for the city's gang task force.

According to Las Cruces Police Department spokesman Dan Truilljo, the city has seen 217 gang-related incidents so far this year.

Las Cruces Police Department spokesman Wallace Downs said gang-related crimes can often include young teens, like those involved in September's Onate High School stabbing.

Downs said the teens are recruited by older gang members who prey on vulnerable kids in need of a role model.

"More than likely it's the young child," Downs said. "I would say in my experience, 13 or 14-years-old can start being recruited in into a gang. He's looking up to older gang members."

"Gangs provide quick access to money," Marcantel said. "When we live in a society, in a culture that sort of promotes instant gratification, gangs are a great way for our youth to be able to obtain those items that they're looking for."

Youth motivational speaker Jeff Yalden said it's best to help teens before they join gangs, not after they're in one.

Yalden said parents should ask questions and look closely at their kids friends. He suggested monitoring Facebook accounts and paying attention to the clothing they wear.

"The color of their shirts," Yalden said. "The way they wear their pants. There's simple hand gestures and symbols and bandanas."

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