Residents of North Richmond neighborhood updated on gangs
WWBT-12 has details on a meeting between city officials and residents of the Providence Park community (located east of Chamberlayne and Laburnum in Highland Park). Police report that there are some 650 members of 50 different gangs in Richmond, and some of those gangs may have played a role in at least two violent incidents that made headlines recently. From the news report:
Dozens of neighbors from Richmondâ��s Providence Park neighborhood got a frightening lesson on the gang activity that’s taking place right in their own backyards.At a public meeting yesterday, Richmond police said there are 50 gangs in the metro area, with no fewer than 650 members total. The meeting comes in the wake of two violent incidents in the Northside neighborhood.
Police told parents it was up to them to keep their children from joining a gang.
Richmond police increased their patrols in the city last week – a move they say has decreased crime in Providence Park.
Officers at the meeting encouraged neighbors to be their eyes and ears and to committed to reporting suspicious activity to the proper authorities.
Richmond has a gang problem. This should not be news to anyone.
Although gang activity might be responsible for more than its fair share of criminal activity in the city, particularly street crimes, many of the serious violent or property crimes are simply not gang related (and a good proportion of the violence that occurs by gangs is between gangs).
The only ones that can prevent young people from being seduced by gang membership are parents or familial authority figures in a child’s life. The police and indeed the criminal justice system and most “other” authority figures are nearly completely ineffective in preventing a child/juvenile from joining gangs.
Likewise, the only people who can really affect crime rates are the residents of Richmond. The police have some effect, but its small and not nearly as much as most people think.
If you don’t believe me, consider this fact: Across the country the average police officer in an urban police department spends less than 40% of his/her time on crime patrol and in many departments, it is as low as 10%.
There are many reasons why this is (paperwork, regular training, 3-shifts per day, etc…) and you can be sure that the average RPD officer fits these numbers.
It justs sounds like you want to write off the troubled youth in Richmond as hopeless! There are many ways the community with the family can help young people turn away from gangs.
I love my city too much not to be involved.
Not writing them off at all. Sure there are many ways to try to help, and I am all for it, but you have to realize just how little the overall effect that help has on turning juveniles away from gangs.
Overwhelmingly, those who turn to gangs come from single parent households, particularly female headed.
Sadly, those single mothers also tend to be paid much less (compared to men) for their work, be more socially isolated and marginalized, and often have more trouble handling/parenting a male juvenile child.
I applaud that you are involved and I wish that more people were. I too am involved, but in a diff way.
And it’s certainly not “unneeded”. It’s just that when we are talking about what best prevents children from turning toward gang life, OVERWHELMINGLY, it is having a strong parent/parents that are committed to rearing and properly socializing their children.
This is not to say that the parents of juvey gang members do not care or love their children, they most certainly do. It’s just that they tend to come from less advantaged neighborhoods in Richmond, are working harder and longer for far less pay (and thus are not around to stop the child from the seduction of gang membership), and simply just do not have the resources.
I hope you realize how seductive gang life is to juveniles. They turn to it because it offers up protection on the street, the promise of familial bonds that might be lacking in their home lives, and the lure can simply be thrilling. But the downside is once a juvenile is in its grip, it’s very hard to get them back before they run afoul of the law.
I see you have thought this out quite a bit. And we agree on many points. You are right – the family is key.
Regardless, I see your stance as a giving up. Do you have direct experience with at risk youth? Or with youth at all? Are you a parent?
People are people. There is no guarantee that a child will turn out the way you want him or her to, no matter the environment. Juvenile crime is not just a problem for poor urban areas. The biggest heroin bust ever in this city was in a rich west end neighborhood at Goodman high school.
I think why I keep writing back is because your tone seems to suggest that youth violence is inevitable and in great proportions in the city.
I disagree. We have millions of children in this city, and only a few offenders. Yes, this is dangerous and to be noted!! But, most people tend to overlook to success stories. I have lived in a “high crime area” of the city for 15 years and I have seen so much progress, simply because the people here care.
However, I do think we just experienced a “mini” gang feud. We can use this opportunity to communicate with and protect children. And our communities.
Though it might sound like I am giving up, I’m not. I am just well versed in crime issues in general and in Richmond, particularly. I work in a profession that deals with these issues directly. No, I am not a parent, just an uncle, but I have had extensive dealings with at-risk youth (and criminal adults) over the past 15 years and the social problems that they face.
I see your point as well concerning the success stories. I know there are numerous success stories in Richmond and around the country, but overall it still pales to those who get caught up in gang life or street crime, which either leads to their death or prison and this is the sad reality of it all.
You are exactly right, however, there are no guarantees about children and how they’ll turn out, irrespective of economic status or family structure etc…, but low socioeconomic and single parent households are the most at risk of having their children succumb to gang membership and the violence associated with street life.
This is simply fact. One that many of us, including you I see, want badly to change, and indeed, work very hard to change.
But you make a great point about juveniles in the west end. Crime is certainly not limited to poor neighborhoods. It knows no age limits, geographic, race, gender, or economic boundaries.
Yet, while nearly all juveniles are involved in some sort of crime at some point (they are deviant not to be), including status offenses (such as drinking smoking, breaking curfews, etc…) and actual criminal activity (burglaries, robberies etc…), overwhelmingly, they grow out of it when they enter adulthood.
You might be surprised to know that a bit over 50% of the violent and serious crime in the US is committed by those under 30 years old, with juveniles responsible for much of that 50%. In fact, anywhere between 50 and 60% of all crimes by juveniles are committed by only about 7% of juveniles with 3% being responsible for upwards of 70% of all serious violent felonies.
Thus, while juvenile crime is widespread, affecting nearly every juvenile at some point, only a small percentage are the kind of active, repeat offenders that need help the most.
Thank you for the thoughful reply.
My pleasure. I appreciate your thoughts on the matter, they were insigtful.
We can continue this conversation the next crime incident that makes the NRN.
Pleas help this kids and just wanted to say that this is not only up to parents it is also part of teachers friends and this all needs a little bit of all of uf.
You know im a young girl of 15 years and it seems like evryone just doesnt really want to help this kids involved in gangs. Everyone just judges someties without even knowing what they are talking about.Just wanted to tell you guys that if you wanna help the young teenagers involved in this gang problems.You should start by not judjing and looking forward to whats best to you.You should start by looking forwrd to whats the best for this kids and actually understand them an dhelp them.
Sorry it is up the parents!!! I’ll give anyone a chance. But don’t stand out on the corner thinking that going to give you a leg up.
I think too many of you don’t see the point of where gang activity starts. You all have for the longest time said its single parent families, and parents who don’t give attention in the right ways. Well guess what, some of that has something to do with it, but the music has more influence than you know. You have lost that battle with the internet, anyone can get their gangster fix online. If they don’t have online, its distributed on the streets in bootleg cd’s. The music is what fuels all of this. The artists themselves 70% of the time aren’t even involved in this kind of activity, but it sells. Whatever sells is what the streets will push. Can you blame a kid who has nothing for wanting everything??? Especially when its thrown in his face by music and hip hop stars who seem to have everything, however they rent everything for they’re videos.
Disillusioned youth are being fed whatever sells. If someone can make money off of it, it will continue. I have no answer for you, but im out on Broad st. at 1am in the summer, and i will say that I always keep my gun with me. For protection without means of harm to the public. The streets have taken over the city, if you don’t believe me then you are lost in city hall trying to figure things out and not being out there at night watching everything. Rely on the Police to save the day but then we look at people like Rodney Monroe who have fake degrees. Seriously people, wake up….
It’s all good to have community policing and such other things such as keeping kids off of gangs. But there should be a high degree of accountability in our criminal justice system. It seems everytime a gang member commits murder, the judge prescribes a life sentence. Unfortunately he/she only serves half of that sentence only to be back on the street again and doing the same stuff. What lesson is learned in that? Either they serve their entire sentence or just be put to death. Pure and simple. Another thing. I am glad VA has a concealed carry law allowing law abiding citizens to carry a handgun legally while protecting him/herself within the law. And, I am one of those persons who do exercise that privilige and do so with responsibility. And I do believe that an armed population are an excellent deterrent to gang members intending to do harm. And for those wannabee spineless gang bangers out there, I am watching you. You cross me and the ones I love, I will impose everything I have even if it means dying in the process and I will take some of you with me. Again, not implying vigilantism. Just saying what will happen if I have to defend myself and the ones I love, maybe even an innocent party.
Ric, you said you tote a gun? I am with you all the way on that. You be safe as well.
Again, I have my gun on me everyday where I can legally carry at all times. Not just certain times of the day or certain days. And again, it’s for defensive uses only.
Just recently, my girlfiends’ cousin got robbed at Petersburg and lost his leg when he got shot. Stuff like this gives me a reason to go out legally armed. Maybe this his robbery on him could be gang-related. Half of the money that gangbangers make are from robberies.
Well, personally I carry a gun. I want one of those thugs or want to be thugs come up to me. I would sooo put a cap in his ass. I tried of all talk of “we have to save the children” hell why isn’t anyone wanting to save me from these “want be” thugs.
Richard, do you have a permit to carry a gun? It’s better to be on the safe side legally. You can defend yourself but you have to avoid trouble first. Again, it’s not worth prison time practicing vigilantism. Murder is against the law unless it’s a self-defense or justifiable homicide. Carry a gun but do so legally and responsibly. Again, just helping you out. Don’t get into trouble.
they need you guys more out in powhatan.
Powhatan? I have never been there. The only areas of Richmond I am familiar with are the downtown areas such as Franklin Street, Hull Street, etc. Again, I operate within the law. Not a cop or vigilante. Been licensed with a carry permit for over 10 yrs. and no problems at all. I am always thankful everyday when I come home and retire at night without incident. Hopefully, I won’t be in a situation where I will have to use my tools to defend myself. Besides a .40 or .45 handgun, I also arm myself with a knife and pepper spray. Again, what I will use depends on the level of force used against me.
By the way, I reside in Martinsville since I am currently assigned there until next year. I have been raised in Norfolk most of my life. Also familiar with the whole Hampton Roads area.
Sad to see so many lives destroyed by crime and violence. I hope to see peace to return to our streets soon.
“Peace Through Superior Firepower”
“Pray For Peace, Prepare For War”
Ross, is there a policy for aggressive comments on here?
Those are slogans used by the military since I am in the military myself for 15 yrs. Well, I will be moving over and get reassigned to Richmond next month. Very excited to move into a real city and getting out of hick town. On a real note, gangs are a big problem nationwide. Even a lot now have moved over to small-town USA so detecting them could be a little more difficult for law enforcement. Gangs now have also gotten more sophisticated and have discouraged some tattoos as well as distinct clothing styles and colors. Gang meetings are also disguised as innocent group events. Armed or not, it is always great to be vigilant in the dangerous and changing world we live nowadays. Sometimes I wake up every morning wondering what the world has come to.
Geesh! Richard, careful what you wish for! How do you know the thug doesn’t have a bigger gun than the one yuo carry? Or, worse, have friends looking out for him? Personally, I prefer to carry mace, cell phone, and some small hard object I can throw at the thug, calling the cops on my cell phone as I run from him. Preferably screaming at the top of my lungs in the process.
You are definitely right. There can be a thug with a bigger gun or his lackeys nearby. There are no parameters or rules in the street. A confrontation in the street is not like a UFC match. Anything can happen. A simple fistfight can suddenly change into a fight using weapons what have you. That is why avoidance and reporting the problem is the key thing to use before escalating into the use of force. I know a gun is not for everyone. It’s better to use an alternative weapon than nothing at all. Action is better than no action. But when it comes down to terminating the situation, the gun is still the ultimate self-defense tool. But you have to be more responsible and it requires proper training and mature judgement. Been carrying it for over 15 yrs. now w/ a permit and I hope I won’t ever be in a situation where I have to use it. And if I do, I will be decisive. To prevent hesitation that can get you killed, one must constantly review and know the state laws of use of force as well as continue training. You can’t just fire 50 rds. at the range once a year and then carry it and expect to be proficient. It doesn’t work that way.
By the way, I always have a cellphone with me. He/she who reports the incident first has the advantage in credibility when filing a plice report. As far as gang members using cellphones, all it takes is one gang affiliate to call and order out a hit on anyone and all of a sudden, all of the gang army comes swarming in on the victim. And, it also sickens me that they would even videotape the attack on youtube. That is why I have no sympathy or regard for an active gangmember.
For impact tools, I also use a pocket tactical flashlight w/ a sharpened crown for striking. Great for night usage.
And, Richard, if you haven’t already done so, get a permit for it if the gun you are carrying is legal. If it is illegal, get rid of it and buy a legal one. Otherwise, you could be doing some jail time if you get caught. Better to be safe than having the potential of dealing with “Bubba”.
Be also aware that not all gangs use the so called “Gangsta” stance when handling a gun as depicted on TV. There are some with military training and experience, like for example, older members of MS-13, who have served in the military, death squads, or even in the leftist guerillas back in the 1980s. As a matter of fact, some have joined the US military and have taken some of the skills they have learned and passed it on to other members. Again, this is not old news and has even happened back at my previous command when I first joined in 1994, where an investigation took place of an alleged gang member who deserted from the Navy. Imagine how frightening it is for gang members trained in SWAT style room clearing techniques when doing a home invasion? Or gang members having knowledge of specialized H2H unarmed combat. That is a frightening thing. Back then, any gang member who joined the military could still be affiliated as long as he/she does not engage in their criminal activities. That is not the current pilicy anymore. And even then, it is still difficult to detect gang affiliation of there is no proof it it.
Correction: gang affiliation if there is no proof of it.
PS: Sorry for the mis-type.
“Personally, I prefer to carry mace, cell phone, and some small hard object”
“avoidance and reporting the problem is the key thing to use before escalating into the use of force”
“For impact tools, I also use a pocket tactical flashlight w/ a sharpened crown for striking”
What a sad commentary on how we have to live today. All this in the supposedly lower crime rate we are experiencing. Eyes on the street, watching your neighbors back and a good relationship with the cops are the best weapons.
That being said, my walks through Belleview, even at night, have been some the most relaxing, peaceful experiences I have had in Richmond. Wish I could say the same thing for downtown.
Walking around the neighborhood of my folks’ house when I visit VA Beach at the Wesleyen section is one of the most relaxing places to take a leisurely walk since there is no crime there. It has a lake, geyser, and even a pond. The neighbors are even courteous. But I still carry my gun and other essentials since there is no such thing as a safe place these days. It’s not paranoia, it’s just common sense. There are too many news stories of crimes taking place in usually quiet neighborhoods. You can never be too safe.
There is no nationwide legislation regulating what kind of flashlight anyone can carry. Just so you know, my flashlight is legal and I have even carried it abroad as well as in a courthouse.
Paul, the peaceful, relaxing walks you so enjoy are bought by the very vigilance and intervention by some of the so-called low-life people living in the more crime active areas next-door to your neighborhood. It’s also paid for by folks reporting crime so folks like you can enjoy those late night walks. Unfortunately, we — as in just about everyone — still can’t take new-born baby out for mid-night strolls in the spring and summer.
Jay, remind me not to make you angry, hon. If other forms of persuasion and all else fails, I’d rather get up close and personal with a bladed weapon. Somehow, it seems more honorable than using a gun. Of course, I’ll still have my cell phone and can of mace on me .
I carry a blade too. To deal with a criminal, you do what you have to do. And you have to get down and dirty. The scumbag criminal does not care about honor or the rules. So why should you? In this day in age, there is no honor or any rules in fighting or defending yourself. The street is not the cage and there is no referee. The only limitations are how much force you are legally allowed to use. Nothing wrong with a can of mace, cell phone, and blade. As long as you know what each of their limitations are. Cell phone is great to have at alll times in emergencies. Pepper spray is not mace, which was outlawed many years ago because of its long term effects. Pepper spray is referred to as OC or Oleoresin Capsicum. Mainly it is made up of oil-based cayenne pepper. Its effects vary on certain people and the symptoms it causes are eyes swollen shut, coughing, and difficulty breathing. It is not a killing device but it can kill those with a heart condition. Never count on it as a lifesaving tool but as a means to stun the attacker until you can get away or followup with other weapons or more overwhelming force. The gun is still the most effective and ultimate tools but its limitations is that it can jam if not maintained properly and some bullets are not that effective. As for the knife, it is only effective at close range if you close the distance on an attacker, even before he/she pulls out a gun. But once at close range in the hands of a hardened criminal or a trained knife fighter, it is utterly devastating and can cause more nastier wounds than a bullet wound which only leaves a hole. As for using a gun, it is a matter of personal preference and I do respect your decision on not wanting to carry or use one. As for anger issues, you don’t have to worry about me (LOL). If I did, I would have had no business carrying a gun with a concealed handgun permit a long time ago. Again, getting a permit requires a clean criminal/mental health record, competent training, and sound judgement/maturity. By the way, I will be moving over to Richmond next week and looking forward to it. You be safe too and a pleasure exchanging ideas with everyone here.
Just to reiterate, guns are not for everyone. It was just a tool I wanted to have in my defensive arsenal. If you are not willing to take a life to save your own or someone else’s, a gun is not for you. Even though unfortunately a gun shot can result in death, I shoot only to stop, not kill. And it is only used as a last result the most dire of circumstances when death is imminent. And if you do pull it out of the holster, you better have a good reason to use it. Otherwise, you could be charged for brandishing or menacing, which can result in your revocation/confiscation of your gun thereby losing your right to carry. Until the situation calls for you to use the gun in self-defense, it must remain in the holster when out in public. This is not like the old wild west where you could just pull it out to admire it. To do that, someone can end up reporting you to the cops and it’s not a good thing to go through.
To defend yourself if you have to stand your ground and fight, you can also use improvised weapons such as a car antenna, brick, broken bottle, etc. Even everyday items such as a rolled up magazine or car keys can be used for that too. You are only limited by your imagination. Again, there is no golden rule in fighting. You gotta get mean, nasty, aggressive, and and decisive.
Jay, let me one of the first to welcome you to Richmond. It’s a beautiful town, but — like a lot of places — we do have problems. Gangs for one. Drugs and drug dealers for another. We also have our share of prostitution as well. However, there are also just as many good, decent people living in this town, too. And a lot of sites to see! Weather permitting, and when you get a chance to, please visit the James River Park. There’s a class four ( something or other ) rapids running through the middle of the city. Then there’s Shockoe Bottom, a resturant and tavern district. There’re more sites than this and way too many to list here at the moment. Then there’s the malls, shopping centers, cinemas, oh! and Old City Hall in downtown Richmond. If you have questions, please, ask around, see the sites, and get aquainted with our city.
Thanks. I seem to like it here. I am for now more familiar with the downtown area. Once I move and reside there, I will look around for more places to see including the ones you suggested. I also discovered on Broad Street that there are many shopping centers there too as well as the DMV in which I was able to get my new address on my diver’s license. Because of that, I also got the address on my concealed handgun permit too. That is also required whenever I change residences. Again, looking forward to residing here for 10 months and as always, I am on the lookout for the bad elements that exist in any city or town. And my mindset never changes.
Been residing in Richmond and I enjoy it a lot here. I am also now familiar with most of the areas of Broad Street, downtown area, and Jefferson Davis Hwy (also enjoying some of the Mexican/Salvadoran food in that area too). As always, carrying my concealed handgun and also adding more layer of security in my new apartment since Richmond has a higher crime rate than any city in Hampton Roads, although the crime rate has dropped this year unlike its high crime rate in 2006. But on the bright side, Richmond is also a little more closer to VA Beach (the drive today to VA Beach only took 1 hr. and 15 min.) and it’s more ethnically diverse too.
Glad to hear it, Jay. But, watch the Mexican and Salvadorian food. The stuff is good going down, but it tends to talk back at inoportune moments. Also, have you seen the Old City Hall buikding? I myself love the architecture (Speeliong? ) of the place. But, some years ago, someone somewhere — don’t remember who — wanted to demolish the building to make way for some more modern stuff. Happily, more sensible heads prevailed, and the building in question still stands. By the way, if I may ask, why are you in Richmond for only ten monthes?
I work for the Navy, mainly administrative position. I was assigned in a different area of VA before.
Speaking of gangs, I would not be surprised either if there is an MS-13 presence there. Currently enjoying my stay at my hometown of VA Beach. Looking forward to going back to Richmond tomorrow. And, it’s only a 1 hr, 15 min trip unless there is a backed up traffic at I-64 and I-95.
I most certainly hope not, Jay!! We have enough problems in our fair city without MS-13 added to the mix!
Me too. I agree. But I will be keeping an eye out though. I despise them just as much as you do. They are the worst of the worst of all US gangs.
Priderock, I lived pretty much around the Jefferson Davis Hwy. area near Chippenham Pkwy. And I really enjoy it here a great deal. I also discovered that JD Hwy. also leads straight to Belvedere Street in downtown Richmond. And plenty of toll spots too. Because of that, I save a lot more change now and I bring it with me daily as I commute to and from work. The most I have ever spent was $2.75 at the Pocahontas Pkwy., which I use sometimes. As for the crime, I have witnessed some prostitution around the area. And one time, I have even witnessed a transvestite as I ate at a Chinese restaurant around JD Hwy. Again, a city has so many things going on since it is heavily populated. Always a pleasure exchanging opinions/ideas with you and stay safe. Never stop training and never stop being vigilant.
I also hope everyone here enjoyed the snow too. It’s been snowing this past couple of weeks and it cancelled a lot of work too.