RIT study looks at impact of gangs in Rochester and how to stop it

We hear about gangs in Rochester, but just how bad is the problem? An RIT study is after that answer and much more. It's part of the city's efforts to curb gang violence. The solution may also include using the experience of former gang members.

Rochester Police estimate there are 65 active gangs in Rochester. Don't believe it? We asked Youth Intervention Specialist Paul McFadden.

McFadden said, "Right now I see hybrid gangs that aren't getting the attention that they need. I'm seeing superpower gangs such as Crips and Bloods, they're here, they're right in front of us."

McFadden knows how to spot gang members. He was one for 17 years. After 10 years in prison, he's turned his life around. For the past seven years he's worked as a youth intervention specialist going after other kids who are headed down a path similar to his. "I don't think it's on a level where we have to have our society or our community in a state of panic, or a state of fear but these are our kids."

Just how bad is the problem?

RIT's criminal justice department is helping to answer that question through a new study on gang activity. The answers will help the City of Rochester come up with prevention programs and better enforcement.

Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy said, "It's not just about enforcement it's getting the kids at a young age and having them make better decisions even in elementary school."

James Young agrees. This Rochester native and former gang member turned successful businessman, has written a book about his life. He says it's time to do more than study the problem. "We've been studying this thing to death."

Young's life is part of the solution. He's in talks with the Rochester City School District to develop a curriculum centered on his bookI Wanted to be Bad. "Should this book happen to change some people's lives and I believe that it will, this is something that we have to try. I think we have to get these young people to understand that they are not alone."

Young moved to Florida in the 1980's and became a clothing manufacturer. He started a medical transcription service that employed as many as 26 people and he became the publisher of The Vanguard Chronicle - a monthly business and networking journal.

For more Rochester, N.Y. news go to our websitewww.whec.com.

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