Understanding gangs is subject of Campbell lecture

Buies Creek, N.C.—How much of a threat are gangs in Harnett County? What are some myths about gangs? What are some truths? How do you recognize the signs that a gang member might be your own child?

Officer Tim Martin, Gang Specialist of the Narcotics Division of the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office will hold an information session on gang awareness Tuesday, March 15, at 6:30 p.m. in Hartness Lecture Hall of Campbell University’s Leslie Campbell Science Building. The session is sponsored by the University chapter of Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society.Admission is free and open to the public.

“There are a lot of myths about gangs and a lot of ways to identify possible gang members,” said Martin. “The object is to better protect yourself by increasing your knowledge about gangs.”

In the session, Martin will cover the history of gangs and try to dispel some of the myths surrounding them. He will also entertain questions.

“I haven’t seen a big rise in the number of gangs in Harnett County in the five years that I’ve been a Gang Specialist,” Martin said. “More times than not, the gang members we do have in the area are not connected to a national hierarchy such as the Bloods or the Crips, but they can be dangerous felons.”

The Purpose of Phi Alpha Honor Society is to provide a closer bond among students of social work and promote humanitarian goals and ideals.  Phi Alpha fosters high standards of education for social workers and invites into membership those who have attained excellence in scholarship and achievement in social work.

Refreshments will be provided following the lecture.