New statewide task force aims to tackle rising North Carolina gang violence

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — With gang activity spreading into every corner of North Carolina, state leaders are launching a new task force to find real solutions.

The Governor’s Gang Prevention and Intervention Task Force has more than 20 stakeholders for a collaborative and holistic approach, including law enforcement, public health, education, mental health, and criminal justice experts. 

“We all know that what we want is safer communities,” said Leslie Dismukes, one of the task force’s co-chairs. “Gang violence is growing, and we can’t fix that unless we take a collaborative approach.”

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein (D) said juvenile gang activity has increased nearly 50 percent in the last five years, calling it a “preventable problem” that requires early intervention.

“Understanding who’s more likely to get engaged in gang activity will enable us to reduce the likelihood that they do,” he said. “Many acts of violence can be prevented if we address the root causes and offer people better options in their daily lives.”

Experts say gangs now operate in all 100 North Carolina counties, including here in Wake County. Dismukes said that’s why a whole-of-government approach is needed.

“If we don’t account for every piece of the puzzle, we’re not going to be able to have a comprehensive solution,” she said.

Even those with lived experience with gangs have a seat at the table.

“Whether they’ve been a part of a gang, their family has been impacted by gang violence or in their career, they’ve intersected with it and it’s left a mark on them. It’s important to have all these different perspectives because that gives us fresh ideas,” said Siarra Scott, the task force’s other co-chair.

The group plans to divide into three subcommittees: prevention, intervention, and intelligence sharing. The full task force will meet every other month, with subcommittees meeting in between.

“People really care about making this a safer place for all of us to live, work and raise our families,” Dismukes said. “With this many dedicated people, I feel like we cannot fail.”

The co-chairs say they’re determined to turn talk into action and not just become another group with meetings about meetings. The task force is expected to deliver its first set of recommendations in six months.