Gangs – what Maricopans can do about them

“It takes all of you to tackle this problem,” PCSO Corporal and School Resource Officer Kent Ogaard told those gathered at the gang awareness training Monday night (see related story).

“It’s unprecedented to see so many school and community leaders coming together so quickly within a week,” Ogaard said. “This is a community problem that’s getting solved.”

In addition to school district officials, the City of Maricopa, Maricopa Police Department, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and both the Ak-Chin and Gila River Communities have pledged their support.

“It’s not illegal to be a gang member,” noted Ogaard. “Whether 8 or 18 you have equal protection under the law. We’re all doing a lot more than normal because we have a vested interest in your children.”

At 7 p.m. on May 17 at Maricopa Wells Middle School there will be a general Block Watch meeting on how to get that program started in more Maricopa neighborhoods.

GIITEM (the Gang Task Force) has been doing gang awareness presentations for every teacher in the school district. Before the end of the school year, every fourth through eleventh grade student will also hear the presentation. “Before summer break we want students to leave with the right information and mind set,” said DPS Detective Ed McNeil.

Ogaard explained that reward programs for kids who are not doing bad things are in place.

When asked how innocent kids are going to be protected, Ogaard responded, “With my life.” A proponent of uniforms for all grades, Ogaard indicated that would help with the gang problems. More disciplinary hearing officers are also being trained within the school district.

The key, explained Ogaard, is not for parents and citizens to call and say, ‘What are you going to do?’ They need to say, ‘What can we do?’

Mother of a middle school student and sister of a high schooler, Aneiscia Esquivias moved to Maricopa a little over two years ago. “I have noticed gang activity grow so rapidly these past two years,” she said. “The police need to recognize and take action on these kids that are dressing and acting out gang activity. Our community really needs to step it up, and we need to make some changes as soon as possible.”

Maricopa Unified School District’s Superintendent Dr. John Flores talked about why kids join gangs. “Gangs make them part of a family unit; they offer friends and support.” He urged parents, “Return to your own family structure. It can happen to all of us.” He emphasized the need for family values and structure at home so that children don’t find a sense of “family” in a gang.

According to the informational pamphlet from the training, kids join gangs to find acceptance, for excitement, to earn money, for protection, to socialize and as a result of peer pressure.

“Unfortunately, we don’t see a lot of kids who want to get out,” said McNeil.

Mayor Kelly Anderson noted that Public Safety is the number one priority for himself and members of the city council. “We have a vision, but we need to do something for residents here.” He has also asked for a Silent Witness program for Maricopa.

Parks, Recreation and Libraries Director Marty McDonald explained that his department is trying to create opportunities for kids. Coloring books for K-3 students will be offered to get out a positive message. “It’s not just the school district involved but the community and city,” he added.

What can parents do? According to Ogaard, “Parents should be parents. Right now we’re in the reactionary stage of ‘What can we do to fix it?'”

For the long term, parents need to take the time to know their children’s friends and their families, talk to kids about gangs and discourage participation, place a high value on education, monitor children’s Internet activity, spend quality time with kids and encourage them to participate in positive activities. Be a good observer, and, above all, listen to your children. Supervision is also a key factor.

Parents and residents can also help by being the eyes and ears of Maricopa. GIITEM maintains an anonymous, free tip line where callers can leave information about gang activity, graffiti or the potential for school or community violence. The tip line’s number is: 1-888-NO-GANGS (1-888-664-2647).