Gangs growing

Law enforcements agencies took part in the first day of a two-day conference on Monday that deals with the problem of gangs.

"The gang problem is not just a law enforcement problem, it is a societal problem,” North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper said.

For law enforcement officers, it’s a problem they face on a daily basis in communities across the state. A recent study released by the Governor's Crime Commission indicated that there are roughly 550 gangs across the state. That translates into about 14,500 gang members.

Experts said the problem affects children at younger ages than before.

That’s why officials stressed the importance of working together. The state has a database called "GangNet" that authorities can use to share information. The Attorney General's Office is also targeting major drug traffickers in the state.

But Raleigh police Chief Harry Dolan said he first wants individual officers and deputies to understand who they are dealing with.

"Locally in our neighborhoods, who are these terrorists, these neighborhood terrorists?” Dolan questioned. “Well, they're young people who are dropping out of school at rates that are unheard of in this country's history, and I think that's the sleeping issue that we have not been addressing."

Dolan said focusing on prevention is just as important as dealing with current gang problems.

"If we want to make a difference in the lives of the children that are joining gangs, be aggressive and also proactive, we've got to make sure we're educated and we're trained,” Dolan said.

Cooper also plans to work with the General Assembly to pass legislation that provides tougher penalties for people who participate in gang activity.