Combating gang violence in Scranton

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Anti-gang efforts are ramping up in Lackawanna County and specifically in Scranton as gang-related crimes continue to increase.

“Unfortunately we have seen an uptick in gang activity,” said Mark Powell the Lackawanna County District Attorney.

That has prompted Lackawanna County officials not only to increase their efforts to track gang members but also to take proactive steps to deter young people from joining gangs in the first place.

“We are seeing alarming trends we are seeing more violent behavior we are seeing individuals engage in activities that it was a fist fight for initiation to get into a gang, now they do a drive-by shooting,” stated D.A. Powell.

So several county-related agencies and nonprofits are teaming up to engage the gang problem head-on. The Lackawanna County Interagency Council is helping organize efforts in schools to reach young people. Part of that effort includes a gang forum in October.

“It does take a village and it talks about preventing the issue in the first place. Working with youth-based organizations like NEPA Youth Shelter and others in our community. In our schools and other health and human services. Help families thrive and do better and help prevent the gangs forming in the first place,” explained Cindy Kennedy President of the Lackawanna Interagency Council.

The Nepa Youth Shelter provides a safe -educational environment and programs for young people.

Well, there definitely has been an increase in their visibility. Maybe a few years ago but so noticeable but definitely wearing colors and they’re doing active recruiting in the high schools,” says Maureen Maher Gray, executive director founder at NEPA Youth Shelter.

Those gangs are tied to the blood and the crips. Powell and the leaders of this effort are urging the public to join in the anti-gang movement.

The anti-gang forum will be held on October 9th at St.Mary’s Center in Scranton. The I-team’s Andy Mehalshick will serve as moderator.

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