The U.S. Department of Justice announced today that Wake and Durham counties have been chosen to participate in a “comprehensive anti-gang initiative” that includes $2.5 million in federal funding.

Raleigh-Durham is one of four regions across the country receiving the federal funding to thwart gang activity, Deputy Attorney General Mark R. Filip said at a news conference at the Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

The $2.5 million goes to the Eastern District of North Carolina, which includes Wake, and the Middle District, which includes Durham and Greensboro. The two districts will split the money 50-50, said Robin Zier, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Raleigh.

The funding will focus on reducing the impact the gang lifestyle is having on young people.

“Young people are disproportionately the victims of gangs,” said George E.B. Holding, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District.

The Wake County Board of Commissioners proclaimed May "Youth Gang Awareness and Prevention Month." Board Chairman Joe Bryan described the funding as seed money that enables local governments to figure out ways to steer young people away from gangs.

“Young people are the lifeblood of gangs,” Holding added. “We have to stop them before they get into a gang and [if they are in a gang] help them to get out.”

How bad is the gang problem in the Triangle?

Durham Mayor William "Bill" Bell said a study completed earlier this year identified about 1,000 gang members in Durham.

Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison said about 100 gang members are in jail on any given day in Wake County.

"I won't mention any of them by name because that's what they want you to do," Harrison said.

Bryan said gangs are becoming a problem all over the state, including his hometown of Knightdale.

Bell agreed.

"We can talk about Durham and we can talk about Raleigh, but small cities and big cities are all seeing the same problem," Bell said.

Filip said $1 million of the funding will go toward efforts to prevent young people from joining gangs. Another $1 million will be used by law enforcement for criminal prosecution, with the remaining $500,000 used to help former gang members make a successful transition after they are released from prison. Faith-based groups and others will provide transitional houses, job training and job placement.

“We want to prosecute the violent offenders who terrorize others so people can live a little more peaceably,” Filip said. “We have to let them know that we won’t allow them to prey on children in the neighborhood and others who are trying to do right.”

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