Gangs

Graffiti Cleanup

Youth gang members are several times more likely than non-gang youths to commit crimes, and as many as 1,000 youth in Washington County are estimated to be gang-involved. The Washington County Juvenile Department is committed to addressing this issue with a comprehensive strategy of prevention, intervention and suppression that includes working collaboratively with schools, community agencies, and local law enforcement agencies. Among the strategies in Washington County that address youth gangs are:

 

Graffiti Hurts

Graffiti Hurts is a public information campaign about the harm graffiti poses. 

 

Gang Presentations

Team members educate youth, parents, schools and community members about the history of gangs, local gangs, trends, and identification of gang behavior. Juvenile Department staff have presented with law enforcement assigned to gang 
activity in Washington County.  For more information, please see our gang presentations page.

 

Sky's the Limit

Sky's the Limit was a juvenile department prevention program which aimed at engaging at-risk youth in pro-social activities. This program is no longer being offered through the Washington County Juvenile Department as of July 2011.  

Comprehensive Supervision Unit 

The Juvenile Department has a designated team working with youth who have been referred for criminal activity and who are affected by gang behavior. Research shows that many youth are enticed by the gang culture for the reasons listed below:

Curiosity
Generational ties
Protection
Peer Pressure
Excitement
Respect
Family
Basic Needs
 
The Comprehensive Supervision Unit aims to address many of these areas with youth through prevention, intervention, accountability and supervision. The Juvenile Department as a whole also makes public safety a top priority. The team provides assessments, interventions, supervision and accountability and presents recommendations to the Court by addressing illegal behavior and youth needs. We also explore the support and strength of the youth and family in order to develop strategies to aid in their reformation. We provide avenues for pro social behavior and opportunities to develop skills they may be lacking. We work collaboratively with schools and community agencies.