History of Gangs
The groups causing problems for so many communities have their origin in the big cities, but their reach has extended far beyond those areas. [more...]

How do Gangs Identify Themselves?
Gangs use a variety of symbols to distinguish themselves. Click on the story to find out a few of the most common ways.[more...]

Gang Presence in South Carolina
A survey compiled by the University of South Carolina from law enforcement agencies gives insight into how much of a presense these groups have in our state.[more...]

What are the Warning Signs?
Gangs are making inroads in the community. Here are some reasons why, and some of the warning signs to watch out for with a child.[more...]

I want to applaud WLTX for taking this very innovative approach with regards to gang issues. This is an unprecedented step that every news outlet should adopt. Your policy succinctly addresses the very real issue of glamorizing gangs because, as you know, even negative coverage is good coverage for gangs. By having WLTX focusing on the overall cause and effect and not the individual groups, we can show gang life for what it is, a dead-end road. Once again WLTX is putting the community first, and for that we are grateful.
-Sheriff Leon Lott, Richland County

"Citizens should be informed when gang members commit crimes in the community," Metts said. "However, community and law enforcement efforts to curb gang activity are undermined when news media coverage about gang-related crimes focuses on identifying gangs through their names, signs, graffiti, colors and other identifiers. Such coverage provides gangs with unwarranted publicity that simply fuels their efforts to recruit additional young people to ruin their lives by joining gangs."
     The WLTX-TV policy recognizes that gang violence is a community problem that we must work together to address by promoting the fact that many young people leave gangs when they realize that gangs are a dead-end, Metts said. The sheriff said the policy also recognizes the distinction between informing citizens and alarming citizens.
     "Gang members try to alarm citizens by spreading rumors about crimes that they claim they will commit in the community," Metts said. "News media coverage about threats of gang violence should focus on documented facts, not rumors. We all should be making every effort to educate our young people about the harsh realities of gang life."
-Sherriff James R. Metts, Lexington County