Albany police gang unit captain says underlying reasons for joining gangs must be dealt with

ALBANY — Illegal gangs are active in almost every part of Albany, with membership often dating back through generations, according to Capt. Michael Persely with the Gang Unit of the Albany Police Department.

Speaking to members of the Council of Community Watches and Associations on Saturday, Persely gave an in-depth presentation of gang history and origins throughout the country, as well as characteristics of specific criminal gangs in Albany, their motivations, and how to identify them.

While belonging to a gang is not unlawful in itself, the state of Georgia defines an illegal gang as three or more people in a group or association created for the purpose of criminal activities, and whose members can be identified by evidence such as symbols, signs, tattoos, graffiti or attire.

According to Persely, although gangs may tend to specialize as to their types of criminal activities, common crimes include drug violations; violent offenses, such as aggravated assault or armed robbery; property crimes, including burglary or illegal entry of vehicles, and behavior crimes, such as disorderly conduct.

Persely said that over the years attempts at fighting illegal gang activity through arrests and prosecution haven’t proven to be entirely effective in keeping down the gangs.

“We could put (the gang members) in jail all day long,” Persely said, “and they’d be right back out and on the streets.”

While prosecution for criminal activities will continue as a short-term tool against the gangs, Persely says the real solutions lie in intervention efforts, including involvement from social services and examination of personal needs, as well increased education and awareness.

“As citizens, we’ve let this thing fester, and that’s how it got to where it is today,” Persely said.

Gang members are often recruited when children are in middle school or even younger, Persley said. Young people, he said, may join for a variety of reasons, including enhanced recognition or identity, fellowship, or a sense of “family” not found at home. Others may be motivated by profit or they may be subjected to physical abuse until they agree to join.

“Take a look around,” Persely said. “Ask questions. If you’re a parent, you don’t need a search warrant to go into your child’s bedroom. You might find evidence of gang activity there.”

In a brief slide presentation, Persely showed some basic gang signs and examples of gang graffiti and tattoos, explaining their hidden meanings.

“All of that may look like mumbo jumbo,” Persely said. “But everything tells a story.”

Persely stressed that every citizen should develop a relationship with his or her city commissioner and other elected officials, and even “call them on the carpet” if necessary to create action in dealing with illegal gangs.

The Council of Community Watches and Associations is an organization of individual neighborhood watch groups that meets quarterly to share information. The next meeting of the Council is planned for July 11 at 10 a.m. in the Community Room of the Law Enforcement Center 201 W. Oglethorpe Blvd. Individuals and groups are encouraged to attend.