This discussion took place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006, and is now closed.

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Moderator: Jamie K. asks: "Why does it seem Durham experiences more violent crime than cities of comparable size in North Carolina?"

SK: The truth is, Durham does have more violent crime than many of the large cities in North Carolina. The statistics fluctuate. There was a surge In 1997, when Durham had more violent crime per capita among the six largest N.C. cities (Charlotte, Raleigh, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Durham, Greensboro). Then crime dropped in Durham in 2003, making it safer than Fayetteville, Winston-Salem and Charlotte.

The numbers seemed to peak again in 2005, although we're still awaiting the final submission of a year-end crime report from the Durham Police Department. In an interview last year, Police Chief Steve Chalmers told me he thinks that, while violent crime happens everywhere, it seems to get more attention in Durham. It's a city with a fragile reputation.

Moderator: Adam B. asks: "What can individual citizens do to combat the intrusion of gangs into Durham?"

SK: That's a good question--it comes down not just to police, not just to the schools, but everyone. The simplest things can make a difference. Educate yourself on the signs of gang involvement with your own children, and children in your neighborhood. When you see gang graffiti (refer to resources on the Web), report it to the city and the police. Often, gang investigators can interpret the graffiti and gain insight into its meaning.

It's important for residents to support programs, too, that help kids stay away from gangs. There are a lot of social issues that lead children to gangs--lack of attention from their parents, lack of interest in school, or simply never being exposed to something that really interests them. It will fall on everyone to help guide children to the right activities and make those opportunities available.

For many young people, being in a gang helps earn income, too. There's a large underground economy in Durham, much based on the drug trade. Many take these 'jobs' because they don't think they can get a real job, they don't know how, or just get discouraged when no one will hire them.

Moderator: Adele G. writes: "I have relatives living in Durham near the areas you frequently report from. Do you think they are safe there?"

SK: It's important to keep in mind that crime happens everywhere, from the big cities to the most rural areas. What police and city officials often tell residents is that very few serious crimes are random. Most violent crime, such as shootings, homicides and sexual assaults, occur between acquaintances. Random incidents do happen, but taking reasonable measures to protect yourself makes you less of a target.

If your relatives are concerned, the best thing to do is to take precautions. Community watch groups are also an age-old tool and can offer empowerment in the fight against crime.

Moderator: What is being done to address gang-related violence specifically?

SK: The Durham Police and the Durham County Sheriff's Office each have gang units. The team for the police department is actually the largest in the state, with more than 25 officers who go out every night and day and deal expressly with gangs. Their job, and the job of the two-man team at the Sheriff's Office, is intervention and enforcement. More often, it falls on the side of enforcement, targeting these gang members and putting them in jail for whatever drugs or weapons some of them may be carrying.

On the prevention side, there are several programs aimed at early intervention. The state and federal programs often go into schools and teach young children. But the more grass-roots efforts have come from the community. Citizens volunteering in Partners Against Crime are investing time in at-risk children. A mediation center has opened downtown. At Lakewood School, an alternative school, troubled and gang-involved youths are learning culinary arts and winning awards for their work. The best prevention is personally reaching a child, which is happening in small pockets of the community.

Moderator: That's all the time we have for now. Thanks, Samiha.

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