HORRY COUNTY, SC- There are over 1,500 identified gang members in Horry County. Law Enforcement officials say a growing number of them are juveniles.
Lynn Baker works as a Gang Investigator with Horry County Police. She said it’s easy for juveniles to succumb to peer pressure.
“People think they care about them when they’re just using them to sell drugs,” said Baker.
In addition, she said Juveniles are used to commit murders, armed robberies and car jackings.
According to South Carolina’s Department of Juvenile Justice, 64% of detained youth admit to being gang members. Baker said many of them join at 9-12 years old.
“It’s a sense of belonging to someone, it’s money they don’t have at home,” stated Baker.
For adult gang members, it’s a greater chance of staying out of prison themselves. Baker said the justice system is often more lenient on juveniles.
“With the juvenile services, you’re not punished like an adult is and sometimes you get 2nd and 3rd chances.”
Baker said the Department works to prevent the problem through education and working with School Resource Officers to identify vulnerable children and communities.
Baker gave News 13 a list of warning signs for parents to look for….
– Shows interest in one or two particular colors of clothing
– Has unusual interest in gangster-influenced music, videos, movies
– Uses unusual hand signals to communicate with friends
– Has specific drawings or gang symbols on school books, walls, etc.
– Has unexplained cash or goods, such as jewelry or clothing
Baker recommends parents encourage their children to become involved in athletics or other community clubs, so they stay busy in a positive way.
