Five Questions: Peggy Riggs

Q: What got you interested in the gang situation?

A: I’m originally from Memphis, Tenn., and we had a serious gang problem within the public education system throughout that city. The gang issue has always been important to me, and it’s important to try to educate people about gangs and gang awareness.

Q: What causes gangs to enter a community?

A: The biggest reason is a general lack of awareness of gang signs, gang dress and activity. Many people aren’t even educated as to what those things look like. Speaking with the police department, one of the biggest reasons they cite for gangs to come into town is money – money, drugs and easy access to young people.

Q: What are the best ways to prevent the problem?

A: I’ve been a member of the (Community Partnership of the Ozarks’) Task Force on Gangs and Youth Violence for several years, and I can tell you there are so many experts on the subject. It’s about teaming up with those experts. They help us by communicating (and) keeping the issue out in front of people. We brought in a gang expert from Little Rock, Ark., last year, and he made a presentation to every middle school and high school – not only for students, but also for teachers. We need to make people aware of the warning signs.

Q: What specifically does the district do about gangs?

A: The most important thing we can do is to educate and stay current. As quickly as we learn information, we try to get it out to all the principals, who in turn are talking with teachers and students. But it seems that as quickly as we have information, things change. It’s really a challenge to stay on top of the issue.

Q: What about businesses? What can they do?

A: Graffiti is a quick indicator. If graffiti is visible on a place of business, they need to call 911. The police are documenting all graffiti, and then their experts analyze if it’s true graffiti, if it’s just vandalism or if it’s something else. If they’re concerned that young people are involved in gangs or drug activity, they need to immediately report it to the police. They’re asking all community members to contact 911 if they find graffiti, so we can get it removed immediately. That’s the most important thing businesses can do.

Interview by Jeremy Elwood.[[In-content Ad]]