As increased peer and financial pressure occur, today's youths are being forced to make meaningful life choices. In addition to current programs, new activities are needed to provide alternatives and create productive environments for positive personal growth. Once warning signs become evident, immediate intervention and counseling becomes necessary to prevent further participation. Effective programs must be available regardless of socioeconomic status. The single most important step in intervention is prohibiting a youth's continued contact with negative influences.
Help is available through numerous organizations.
The Memphis Police Department has a suppression program that is an on-going process. Any success in prevention and intervention strategies will not diminish efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute gang members. Officers will emphasize the importance of immediate intervention. It's not that simple. Some are easily spotted by tattoos or clothing styles.