Study Reveals Gang Crime Affects Teenagers in South Carolina
Posted on Dec 9, 2009 2:40pm PST
Recently, the
South Carolina Department of Public Safety released a study it had been working on for the past 10 years. According to the study, law enforcement agencies in the state are finding that there is more gang related crime and that teenagers are the people who are most affected.
Data from the study revealed that between 1998 and 2007, the highest victimization rate for gang crimes was amongst 15 - 16 year olds, followed closely by 17 - 19 year olds. Additionally, the highest gang crime offender rate was among 15 - 16 year olds. This group's rate was 37% higher than 17 - 19 year olds.
Crime prevention specialist for the City of Charleston Police Department, Sergeant Trevor Shelor said, "There is no absolutely safe place away from gang activity."
Sgt. Shelor also said that many parents are not able to recognize the signs of adolescent gang activity. He said that parents should be on the lookout for possible indicators, such as: sudden changes in personality, withdrawal from family and school, staying out too late, hiding activities, having unexplained injuries, having body markings or tattoos and having unexplained money or expensive items.
Shelor encourages parents to speak with their children when they notice these signs. By doing so, parents may be able to prevent their children from engaging in gang activities and crimes.
If your child has been charged with a
juvenile crime, like a gang crime,
click here to find a criminal defense lawyer near you!
