KTRV Fox 12 Gangs expanding in Idaho
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Boise, Idaho -- The gang problem in Idaho is not going away. That's just one of the ideas that a panel of gang experts used to demonstrate how extensive the problem is in Idaho.
The panel, filled with officers, legislators, a judge, and even an ex-gang member, used their expertise at the statehouse to educate the public not just about gangs but what they can do to help solve the problem.
"There are kids that are exposed to this from a generational perspective from infancy on," said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent Mark Leiser.
It's just one of the many challenges officers face with gangs. Leiser says too many Idaho kids are being indoctrinated at an early age.
So in order to reduce the problem, officers need to get involved early, too.
"And that's our intent, early intervention. Those that slip through the cracks, there's going to be law enforcement there, as well as prosecutors, to put them in prison for as long as we can," said Leiser.
Officers like Leiser say the gang problem won't go away and the best they can do is keep it under control, but they need community help.
One group working to do just that is Second Chance Grace Ministry. Second Chance is working with R.G. Productions and Sidewayz to produce a documentary about the gang problem in Idaho.
"We've talked to people in Shoshone, Rupert, Burley. Shoshone has just hired a gang officer, so that tells you that this thing is growing," said Rich Granberry, R.G. Media.
Granberry says the biggest misconception is that gangs only exist in cities like Caldwell and Nampa. But in reality, they're infiltrating and destroying the economies of communities across the state.
"They're ripping off stores, they're ripping of homes, they're not stealing from their own communities because their own communities don't have a lot of money," said Granberry.
But it's not only what gangs are doing to communities, but what they're doing to themselves, and according to the gang members, getting out is not easy.
"If I go back home, I'm not going to make it, cause you're going to jump back into the homies again -- hey what's up," said ex-gang member Davey Martinez from Burley in the "Gangs in Idaho" documentary.
"And what do you guys do," asked the reporter.
"We sell drugs," said Martinez.
It's a vicious cycle, and it's what officers and citizens alike need to get a grip on, says Granberry, in order to reduce the gang problems that now infiltrates nearly every city in Idaho.
"Does that scare you," asked the reporter of another ex-gang member named Sonny from Caldwell.
"No," said Sonny.
"Does it scare other people?"
"It should, especially if they have kids."
Second Chance Grace Ministries is hoping to release the documentary to groups like police departments, schools, and other agencies for educational purposes.
However, the project is in need of funds. If you'd like to help financially, you can contact Jeri at 895-0900.
