Gangs: Final Word.

Gang (defined): An identifiable group of people (highly organized or loosely structured) who form an alliance for a common purpose which identifies with or claims territory in the community. Members engage either individually or collectively in antisocial or unlawful activity/activities and frequently create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

So there is your full definition of criminal gangs. Hell's Angels, Bloods, Crips, La Cosa Nostra, the LA Riots, Crown Heights, Latin Kings, Westies.. those are gangs, under this definition.

What does Roanoke have? According to the Chief Gaskins, we do not have gangs. And I am inclined to agree.

I can tell you why Gaskins refuses to call them gangs. It's simple really. When you have criminals who affiliate themselves with other criminals, call themselves by a name, but do not create an overall atmosphere such as described above, you deal with them as individual lawbreakers. Only when they become organized enough to be a threat to the public at large (drive-by shootings, orchestrated territory warfare, full-on gang initiations) do you then deal with them as gangs.

The FBI deals with gangs that engage in drug running, gun running, and other aspects of organized crime. Very little that happens here in Roanoke can be considered organized crime.

This is not to say that in the past, there has not been trouble with such groups - but currently, there is not. I ask those of you out there with friends and co-workers who live in the affected areas (Lincoln Terrace, Chapman and Patterson Ave., Melrose-area) if they live in constant fear, and under threat of violence. I have co-workers and friends who do, and they tell me quite the opposite.

You can either judge by what the newspaper and media say, or ask someone directly affected.

A word on the comments I have received on this. There is discussion, there is debate, and then there is futility. Some of the comments raised valid points, but for the most part - it was on the level of national political campaigns. Lots of finger-pointing and name calling, which adds nothing to the conversation. I have, and will continue, to resist moderating comments, or banning them for certain posts alltogether. I do ask that comments be constructive. We are here to create solutions, not complain. At least thats my purpose for being here.

And as always, if you don't like what you read - feel free to let me know. But be prepared to offer your own ideas as well. This is a 2 way street.

And rather than worry about a single word, why not ask Chief Gaskins what is being done to improve the quality of life in these "gang areas."